child abuse and the Internet

["Sandi McLeod" <mcleods@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Dr. Ilene Berson,

While I am not aware of published case studies or specific research 
dealing with abuse cases involving the Internet or computers in 
general, I might make a couple of suggestions of resources 
in that area.

I recently attended the 14th National Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse 
in Huntsville, AL where I attended a session entitled, "Internet 
Crimes Against Children:  Problems, Solutions, & Resources". 
Presenters were Ruben Rodriguez of the National Center for Missing 
and Exploited Children, George Martinez from the FBI's Office of 
Crimes Against Children, and others.  As part of their presentation, 
they announced the creation of the CyberTipline which is a 
collaborative effort between the Natl Center, FBI, US Postal Service, 
and OJJDP.  The Tipline can be reached at:  
http://www.missingkids.com/cybertips or (800) 843-5678.  Actual 
reports of pornography/abuse/exploitation can be made online via the 
web site.

Also, earlier this year, New Hampshire Rep. Lori Cardin sponsored 
a bill to extend the NH state law on child pornography to include 
computer-related crimes after a 13 year old girl ran away with a man 
that she met online.  I do not know the outcome of this bill.

And, finally, the National Clearinghouse, in a collaborative effort 
with the National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse, compiles the 
civil and criminal statutes for child abuse and neglect in a 
six-volume set.  Volume V:  Crimes includes the statutes for computer 
crimes.  Please call the Clearinghouse, (800) 394-3366, for details 
or visit our web site at:  http://www.calib.com/nccanch, select 
menu item "Specialized Services", click on State Statutes and 
select Child Abuse and Neglect State Statutes Series.  The statutes 
can be viewed and/or downloaded from this site.

Hopefully I've provided some useful information.  If I can help you 
in any other way, please let me know.

Sincerely,
Sandi McLeod
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information