BUP Elefanten is a child psychiatric unit specialised in treatment for children and adolescents who have been sexually- and/or physically abused. In January 2006 the Onlineproject started at BUP Elefanten in Linköping with the purpose to gain knowledge about children victims of online sexual abuse.
Children and adolescents spend a lot of time in front of their computers and through this project we aim to learn more about how they communicate using modern technology. Often they know more than adults about this technology and it is important for all of us to increase our knowledge about the risks as well as the opportunities children are facing in this environment.
We need to learn more about the values of adolescents and how children and adolescents are affected when they suffer abuse online. We need a greater knowledge of concrete experiences, thoughts and feelings concerning the risks run. Our knowledge of the long-term effects on children and adolescents of this exposure is insufficient.
This project aims to provide new and better tools and methods to professionals working to support children so that they can better protect children from abuse and, if abuse has already occurred, know how adequately and correctly to receive them. The further strengthening of our preparedness to assist children and adolescents with correct prevention and competent support is of the utmost concern.
The report “Abused Online” is the first report resulting from the Onlineproject. This publication can be ordered from BUP Elefanten.
The Onlineproject was initiated and is administrated by BUP Elefanten and is financed by World Childhood Foundation and TeliaSonera. Please contact us if you want to share your experiences of online abuse or have any inquires about the project.
Linda Jonsson
Project Manager/ The Onlineproject
BUP Elefanten
Universitetssjukhuset
581 85 Linköping
BUP-onlineprojektet@lio.se
