A comprehensive new project will explore the ethics of studying child sexual exploitation and abuse – and develop practical guidelines for assisting future research into the topic.
“Any research with children requires careful planning, engagement, and a need to consider ethical practices at all times. When research is about abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and similar issues involving children, there are additional ethical concerns – particularly due to the harm that may be caused to already vulnerable children.”
– Mark Kavenagh, Head of Research, ECPAT International
Experts from ECPAT International, ECPAT Taiwan and National Chung Cheng University Taiwan are working with academia and others engaged in the field from India, Pakistan, Taiwan, Nigeria, Ghana, Netherlands and Germany – and have so far developed a literature review on the topic that looks at the existing research and guidance.
Later this year, simple and practical guidelines to assist researchers in the design and implementation of research into the sexual exploitation of children will be released.