2026 Into the Light Index on Global Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Supplemental Thematic Analysis Report

This document is the Supplemental Thematic Analysis Report (STAR), serving as the primary written narrative component of the 2026 Into the Light Index on Global Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. While the Index ecosystem comprises this report, an interactive Dashboard, and a Technical Note, the STAR is uniquely dedicated to synthesising results across all six indicator areas - CSAM Data, Victimisation Data - Offline, Victimisation Data - Online, Public Sector Frontline Data, Child Helpline Data, and System Strengthening Data - to identify overarching trends, patterns, and actionable insights. This report translates the complex data foundations of the ITL Index 2026 into context-specific evidence for governments, civil society, and frontline practitioners. The analysis covers the Index's expanded scope, including new non-contact offline estimates, deep-dive frontline data from health, social care, and education sectors, and the inaugural "System Strengthening" indicator focusing on law enforcement capabilities. The report focuses on countries within the UNICEF regions of East Asia and Pacific, North America, and Latin America and Caribbean. Its primary objective is to ensure that robust evidence on the prevalence and nature of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is effectively translated into concrete safeguarding and prevention actions. This report is intended to be used alongside the Interactive Index Dashboard and the methodological Technical Note to support stakeholders in turning evidence into meaningful change.