ABSTRACT Sexting is a phenomenon that has only recently been recognised as a sexual offence, specifically when such communications are directed towards a child. The current study sought to investigate the use of sexting by adults and whether it is utilised as a mechanism to sexually engage with victims under the age of 16. Self-worth, sexual self-worth, and resilience were also examined as factors potentially relating to perpetration and/or victimisation. Participants (n = 285) were recruited via opportunity sampling using an online questionnaire methodology. The results indicated sexting is being used by adults in an attempt to sexually engage with minors. It was found that males who had been victims of sexting were likely to become perpetrators, however, this was not the case for females. There were no statistically significant findings for self-worth, sexual self-worth, and resilience as predictors of victimisation. Implications for forensic practice, research and policy are discussed.

中文翻译：

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色情短信：性侵犯的预测性和保护性因素

摘要色情短信是一种直到最近才被确认为性犯罪的现象，特别是在此类交流是针对儿童的时候。当前的研究试图调查成年人使用性短信的方式，以及是否将其用作与16岁以下受害者进行性交的机制。自我价值，性自我价值和适应力也被视为可能与性相关的因素。犯罪和/或受害。参与者（n = 285）是通过使用在线问卷方法的机会抽样招募的。结果表明，成人使用色情短信试图与未成年人进行性交。人们发现，遭受性侵犯的男性很可能成为犯罪者，但是女性却并非如此。在自我价值，性自我价值和复原力作为受害预测指标方面，没有统计学上的显着发现。讨论了对司法实践，研究和政策的影响。