A Network Analysis Approach to Understanding Risk and Vulnerability to CSEC

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Abstract

Objective: While research has made advances in understanding risk and vulnerability, this current study advances previous research by using network analysis to explore the ways in which risks and vulnerabilities co-occur for CSEC youth.
Design: Data comes from a child welfare organization in the Northeast of the United States of ~950 youth who were referred to the agency between 2015 and 2022 with potential concerns for CSEC. We apply network analyses to explore what ways different risks and vulnerabilities are most likely to co-occur for CSEC victims.
Findings: Preliminary findings suggest that historical risks and vulnerabilities (e.g., histories of abuse, family issues, substance use) co-occur in similar ways for youth at high risk versus youth confirmed to be a CSEC victim. However, the ways in which risks and vulnerabilities co-occur at time of referral vary significantly for those at high-risk versus those who are indicated as a CSEC victim.
Summary and Conclusions: This study provides insight into the nature in which risks and vulnerabilities might co-occur. The results shed light on the ways co-occurring risks and vulnerabilities might create pathways that lead to CSEC victimization. The findings can guide prevention and identification of youth at highest risk of CSEC victimization.

Authors

• Matthew Kafafian, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Stephen Abeyta, New York University

• Ieke de Vries, Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology – Leiden University

• Emily Milner, University of Nebraska Omaha

• Amy Farrell, Northeastern University