1.3.3. Effects of CSAM Exposure on Investigators

Several studies have researched the effects of CSAM on the mental health and well-being of investigators. Repeated exposure to CSAM is reported as a significant stressor for law enforcement professionals (Powell et al. 2014a; Violanti and Aron 1995). As a result of regular exposure to this material, investigators are more likely to experience secondary traumatic stress and burnout (Bourke and Craun 2014; Burns et al. 2008). Powell et al. (2015) concluded investigators of CSAM experience "salient emotional, cognitive, social and behavioral" consequences due to viewing this material in both the short and long term (p. 103). CSAM investigators vary in their perceptions of their main work stressors: some report organizational stressors including heavy caseloads and insufficient resources to cause more stress than exposure to CSAM itself (Powell et al. 2014a, 2015).

Despite evidence of profound effects on mental health, several studies have concluded most CSAM investigators feel positively about their work and are able to successfully manage the majority of stressors in their profession (Brady 2016; Powell et al. 2015; Wolak and Mitchell 2009). However, this perceived sentiment may be due to the dominant work culture in law enforcement which deters expressing vulnerability and weakness, and could indicate persistent problems remain unrecognized (Powell et al. 2014a; Wolak and Mitchell 2009). Furthermore, even if CSAM investigators are coping well with work stressors overall, this does not mean that consistent exposure to CSAM does not inflict psychological harm (Powell et al. 2014a).

There also exists a mixed perception of debriefing strategies among many law enforcement professionals who work with CSAM. Several studies highlight the importance of close professional relationships and frequent informal opportunities to process the psychological effects of exposure to CSAM with other colleagues (Burns et al. 2008; Powell et al. 2014a). Research is mixed on the benefit of therapy on coping with the mental health effects of CSAM. While some studies report CSAM investigators highly value annual psychological assessments, others are hesitant to divulge their experiences to workplace psychologists due to concerns regarding confidentiality or skepticism regarding the benefits of therapy (Burns et al. 2008; Powell et al. 2014a). Investigators also report workplace psychologists and Employee Assistant Programs are generally perceived as incompetent at addressing the specialized nature of CSAM investigations and their effect on investigators (Powell et al. 2014b; Wolak and Mitchell 2009). This echoes the experiences of victims of CSAM, who also report that therapists were not adequately trained or prepared to address the impact of the CSAM on their lives (CCCP 2017).
