COMP41480: The purpose of this research proposal is to establish and identify what role the internet plays in supporting sexual offending: Investigations of Sexual Abuse of Children on the Internet Assignment, UCD, Ireland

The purpose of this research proposal is to establish and identify what role the internet plays in supporting sexual offending. As there is an increase in public and professional concerns about internet sexual offending I will identify and examine the key findings in which the internet supports sexual offending.

As a member of An Garda Siochana, I have an interest in this area because of this current course and the research I have carried out throughout. Internet sex crime is on a steady increase and the number of DPSUs attached to An Garda Siochana have increased because of the growing numbers of persons reporting types of Internet Sex Crimes. Internet sexual offending comprises a range of crimes including possession or distribution of child pornography, production of child pornography, sexual solicitations, and conspiracy crimes. The majority of internet sexual offenses involve the possession or distribution of child pornography.

As the internet undoubtedly does play a major role in supporting sexual offending and I aim to examine the major significance of the internet in facilitating sexual offenders such as online predators who use the internet to exploit young children. I will examine if internet use is in fact addictive and what it can potentially lead to. I will also examine the internet and child pornography and why it has evolved into a more general crime problem with an increasingly diverse array of offenders.