WAYNESBORO, Va. (WHSV) – Child pornography cases have been a growing concern in Waynesboro for the past five years, and as the internet becomes more accessible, it’s now easier than ever for a minor to stumble across child pornography, also known as child sex abuse material, or CSAM.
Elysse Stolpe is the Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the city of Waynesboro. She specialized in cases involving child abuse, exploitation and sexual assault.
Some minors encounter child pornography by accident, and some intentionally seek it out. However, there’s usually an underlying reason for a child to view or possess child pornography.
When a minor sexually abuses another child or views pornography, either involving children or adults, Stolpe said they are displaying problematic sexual behavior, or PSB.
It’s often thought that children show PSB because they were abused themselves. Although it does happen, experts are learning that child abuse is not the major underlying cause of PSB. In fact, Stolpe said it’s a common misconception.
“We’re learning, increasingly, that it’s not the primary risk factor. Everyone always thinks, ‘Oh, this kid is doing this or looking at this, it must be because they have been abused themselves,‘” Stolpe said, “But the risk factor for that type of behavior is actually exposure to pornography combined with domestic violence. It’s not just exposure to child pornography, it’s exposure to any pornography.”
When a child is the offender, a case involving child pornography or sexual abuse is not always black and white. The Waynesboro court system focuses on rehabilitation and treatment in these situations.
”We have certified sex offender treatment providers and we do evaluations to make sure we’re really targeting that type of behavior for that child individually,“ Stolpe said. “[We’re] having it as specialized as possible for that child’s particular needs.”
Without intervention, Stolpe said PSB and its risk factors can harm a child’s development, so it’s important to address the behaviors while they are still young. She also urges parents to monitor their children’s internet activity.
“Be vigilant about what they’re seeing,” Stolpe said.
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