Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is rapidly becoming more prevalent online (Bursztein et al., 2019) as the number of people accessing it is increasing. This problem has only escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has prompted an unprecedented increase in reports of CSAM to authorities (NCMEC, 2021). Many of these men have partners or families whose lives are impacted by their loved one’s CSAM use (Bouhours and Broadhurst 2011). These families experience negative health, mental health, and social outcomes as a result (Walker 2019). Despite this,
there are limited services equipped to provide support to this cohort, and no prior evaluation of the support services operating in this space.

This report details an evaluation of PartnerSPEAK, a Victorian organisation that supports the non-offending partners, family and friends of CSAM offenders. PartnerSPEAK utilises a peer support model to provide support through the operation of the Peerline phone service, webchat, as well as a moderated online forum. The evaluation was conducted by an external team of researchers from UNSW and consisted of a survey of 53 PartnerSPEAK clients, interviews with seven
clients, interviews with seven stakeholders and two interviews with peer support workers. The findings of the evaluation provide much needed insights into the support needs of non-offending partners of CSAM. In addition, the evaluation will help shape the strategic development of PartnerSPEAK, as well as their advocacy work. (From the introduction). Record #7359