Earthquake, Aftershocks and Rebuilding: A hermeneutic phenomenological exploration of the experiences of the Criminal Justice System for men investigated for Child Sexual Exploitation Material offences in the UK

“So basically, ‘the knock’ feels like it was like the epicentre of a big earthquake, and then had these knock on effects that we weren't even anticipating” [Hugh] Previous research has demonstrated collateral consequences for those convicted of child sexual offences, including Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) offences, in particular around suicide and mental health; however there is a lack of current evidence centering the experiences of the men themselves across their journey of the CJS. The aim of my research was to explore the experience of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) with men under investigation and convicted of Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM), from their arrest through to sentencing and beyond. I also aimed to incorporate how any support that they have accessed (including that from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, LFF) may have affected their experience. After an initial scoping review to understand the research landscape I used Hermeneutic Phenomenology (HP) as a research approach and recruited nine participants (six through LFF and three through criminal justice organisations). Conducting repeated interviews over twelve months, alongside researcher directed diaries, and an ethnographic approach, I collected a rich data set. Through the engagement with HP philosophy, I was able to understand and describe the men’s experience of the CJS as being in five distinct phases, from life before their arrest, through to the life altering effects that they encountered, to their attempts to build a future. The ‘earthquake’ of their arrest and the many aftershocks epitomised their experiences, which were characterised by ‘unexpectedness’ at many points throughout their journeys. Their abilities to make connections and to manage their visibility and their identities, with the help of formal and informal support, were key to navigating the journey. My research concludes with the implications of my findings for strategy and policy for organisations within and closely aligned to the CJS and those that provide support to those under investigation and convicted. The CJS, in relation to CSEM offences, is disjointed and lengthy, providing little help, information or support to those being prosecuted, or their families. Changes to the way that the CJS operates and manages these offences will reduce the current burden that the CJS finds itself under as well as improving the circumstances of those under investigation and convicted. Working more closely with support organisations, such as LFF, the CJS can foster an environment where improved prevention and early intervention, alongside vital, consistent and coordinated support, reduces the occurrence of these offences and improves the lives of those who have committed them and their families.