Reintegrated online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) survivors: A phenomenology of how they regained their morale and confidence

Being sexually abused and exploited online, especially if one is a child, leaves traumatic experiences that dampen that child’s confidence and morale. Such incidents often happen during formative years and are often instigated by parents and/or other family members who have pushed the child to perform online sexual acts right at the comfort of their own homes to earn a living. To counter this, OSAEC victims are rescued and rehabilitated to help them deal with the trauma as a result of their ordeal, but little is known about what happens post rescue and rehabilitation. To answer this gap, we conducted an exploratory study, particularly phenomenology, to investigate the reintegration of OSAEC survivors from the Philippines and the revival of their morale and confidence. After a warm and cool analysis of qualitative data, two models emerged: the 3H Model of OSAEC Survivor’s Reintegration and the Ricochet of Efforts to Revive OSEAC Survivors’ Morale and Confidence. Combining these two sets of themes leads to a systematic family-wide effort to implant a conducive reintegration environment for the child-survivors.