Abstract

With the rise of convictions for Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM), court evaluations for parental risk in CSEM cases are more frequently requested, especially concerning a risk of cross-over to contact sexual offenses (CSO). However, psychological research on CSEM is still developing, providing the assessor with very little empirical and theoretical guidance in the decision-making process. We thus advise the assessor to employ a scientist-practitioner role in establishing the risk of harm, by developing clear hypotheses concerning the risk behavior and comparing it to the empirical evidence, existing theory, and case material presented. We further argue that the assessor needs to be transparent regarding the limits of the existing knowledge base. The approach is exemplified on two CSEM case examples using Finkelhor’s (1984) Pre-conditions of Abuse Model.