Associations between online child sexual solicitation and abuse and offline child maltreatment: A latent class analysis

The increasing integration of digital technologies into daily life has led to a rise in online child sexual solicitation and abuse (OCSSA), posing significant risks to young people. Understanding how OCSSA is associated with other forms of offline child maltreatment is essential for improving diagnosis, treatment, and support in child and adolescent psychiatry. This study aims to identify the co-occurrence of OCSSA with other forms of offline child maltreatment experienced before the age of 18 in Germany. To most accurately assess the current reality among children and adolescents, the study surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,006 participants in Germany, following indicator 16.2.3 of the Sustainable Development Goals, and assessed experiences of OCSSA and other forms of offline child maltreatment. Participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire and screening questions measuring OCSSA. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify exposure profiles. The resulting subgroups were compared using Chi-Square-Tests and Mann-Whitney-U-Tests. The LCA revealed two classes: 85.39% of participants were classified as 'predominantly OCSSA' victims, while 14.61% experienced 'poly-victimization', primarily associated with OCSSA and emotional maltreatment. The two classes significantly differed regarding relationship status, education, and equivalence income. The findings highlight increased vulnerability to online victimisation in the digital age and emphasize the interplay between online and offline maltreatment, particularly for those who have experienced multiple forms of victimisation. They emphasize the need for early identification and improved risk assessment, early preventive strategies, and specific therapeutic interventions in child and adolescent psychiatric care.