Philippine Journal of Child Sexual Abuse – Volume 13, 2024

Understanding family members as perpetrators of OSAEC: A call for research

Argel Masanda, Ph.D.

Abstract

Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) is a contemporary crime-based phenomenon that besets the collective wellbeing of the families involved. However, there is not enough literature available to shed full understanding of its nature: why and how exactly they occur. Specific internal and external risk factors are the aim for investigating what might render certain Filipino families susceptible to committing OSAEC. While poverty and lack of proper education, both as internalizing and externalizing factors, can be argued as factors putting certain families at risk to OSAEC, most Filipino families who qualifies as such do not fall victims to OSAEC; hence, the need for further study. Describing the investigated family dynamics of involved Filipino families, that is, their interrelationship as a collective system, will shed light into the nature of OSAEC as a family-based criminal phenomenon.

The non-offending fathers of Filipino sexual abuse female survivors:
A phenomenological study

Jennifer Cueva, MSW

Abstract

Fathers play a critical role in the well-being of their children, providing protection, support, and resources. In the context of sexual abuse, fathers, like mothers, are pivotal in aiding survivors’ recovery and fostering resilience. This study aims to explore the experiences of Filipino non-offending fathers, examining their childhood experiences, family relationships, and parental roles. The research focuses on understanding how these fathers cope with and manage the sexual abuse of their daughters, and the consequent impact on both the survivors and their families.

A phenomenological research design was employed, addressing the notable scarcity of studies on non-offending fathers both globally and locally. The study involved five respondents whose daughters had undergone professional counseling. The analysis identified six emergent themes: 1) Absent father; 2) Emotional impacts of guilt, fear, shame, anger and disbelief; 3) Change in parenting style; 4) Support of family and professionals; 5) Protector as the role of non-offending fathers; and 6) Spirituality.

The findings suggest the need for further studies particularly in the areas that have not been explored, and for future development of programs that actively involve fathers in the treatment process, thereby enhancing the support provided to survivor daughters and their families.