Abstract

Background: Narrative Child Sexual Exploitation Material (N-CSEM) constitutes an under-researched area, partly resulting from difficulties concerning its conceptualization, as well as differences arising from varying national legislations. This paper provides an outline of the current context of N-CSEM and provides an investigation of the legal and moral perception of N-CSEM amongst a German community sample (n = 243).
Methods: Based on an online and offline survey, information was collected on participants' demographic information and perceptions of the illegality and severity of a range of sexual activities, targeted towards N-CSEM. Participants also completed an assessment of their attitudes towards sex offenders (using the Attitudes Towards Sexual Offenders Scale).
Results: The findings revealed a high variation in participants' responses, indicating a lack of public awareness concerning N-CSEM. Active engagement with N-CSEM (e.g., writing sexually explicit stories) was perceived as more severe than passive engagement (e.g., reading such material). Regression analysis revealed that public perception of NCSEM is only predicted by specific concern about N-CSEM rather than general crime awareness or one's attitudes towards sex offenders.
Conclusion: The study revealed some parameters to inform policing and legal decision-making but alerted to the controversial nature of this topic.