Crossing the Line: A Critical Systematic Review of Escalation Crossover Offending in Online Child Sexual Exploitation

Abstract

In this systematic review, we provide a summary of the current knowledge and understanding of escalation crossover offenders who transition from online to subsequent contact child sexual offenses. A systematic search of 14 databases was conducted to identify literature relevant to escalation crossover offenders. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings reveal different profiles of escalation crossover from child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) offending, online solicitation (OS) offending, and commercial offending. Risk factors and characteristics of CSEM escalation crossover offenders included age, prior criminal history, sexual inclination toward children, cognitive distortions, severity, extremity, and frequency of CSEM engagement, communicating or attempting to communicate with children, and networking with other CSEM offenders. Risk factors and characteristics of OS escalation crossover offenders included race, age, marital/relationship status, employment status, education level, sexual inclination toward children, cognitive distortions, psychiatric disorders, and prior criminal history. Risk factors and characteristics of commercial escalation crossover offenders included race, age, employment status, marital/relationship status, and denying a history of contact offending. Behavioral themes were also identified for OS and commercial escalation crossover offenders. Findings and future directions are discussed in relation to practical, policy, and research implications.