HEERA ALAYA

IN CONVERSATION

“As offenders accumulate wealth, they often engage in abusive behaviours
with a reduced fear of being apprehended. Some of the most organised and dangerous groups
on the Internet tend to be more educated and come from socio-economically privileged backgrounds.”

DETECTIVE SERGEANT PAUL GILLESPIE
CEO, Kids’ Internet Safety Alliance [KINSA], CA

July 5th, 2010

Detective Sergeant Paul Gillespie, a former officer in charge of the Toronto Police Service’s child exploitation unit, is currently the CEO of the Kids’ Internet Safety Alliance (KINSA). Detective Gillespie collaborates with global law enforcement, venturing into the darkest corners of child abuse to rescue victims and pursue justice for children.

Heera Alaya: Kinsa was established before you retired as the Officer in Charge of the Child Exploitation Section of the Toronto Police Service. What inspired you to co-found Kinsa with Bill Hutchinson?

Detective Paul Gillespie: I decided to start Kinsa because it was the logical progression to take my international work to the next level, without being responsible for hands-on investigations, and to foster better relationships with industry, government, and other NGOs [non-governmental organisations].

How can the horrific crimes perpetrated against vulnerable children be termed child pornography? It will be appropriate to refer to child abuse images as child exploitation or child abuse images.

Great question. I have a strong aversion to the term “child pornography.” The word “pornography” carries connotations that suggest something sexual, sordid, or suggestive. When people think of pornography, they think of adult pornography, which I believe detracts from the gravity of these horrific images where children are subjected to torture.

While the term “child pornography” does appear in the criminal code and can still be used, we have been advocating for a change to refer to it as child abuse images or images of sexual assault—terms that align more closely with the nature of the offences. Similar initiatives have successfully altered terminology in the United Kingdom and Australia.

During our conversation, we will refer to these images as child exploitation or child abuse images.

How has technology facilitated access to and the sharing of child exploitation images by predators?

When I first started KINSA, I was overwhelmed. The Internet and related technologies evolved rapidly, especially for those of us without technical backgrounds. After a decade with KINSA, it’s astonishing to see how companies in IT [Information Technology], software, and hardware continuously develop innovative ways to share information and connect through social networks. However, almost as soon as these systems are launched, criminals exploit them for their own purposes. For example, file-sharing services, which initially seemed like a positive development—similar to the emergence of Napster and other platforms—quickly attracted individuals with a sexual interest in children, who recognised the potential for using these same methods.

In recent years, law enforcement has advanced its techniques for monitoring the sharing of these abhorrent images; it’s almost as if you can look up and witness them being exchanged across the globe. The ability to trace their origins has revealed staggering statistics. Every city worldwide is involved in distributing these terrible images. Technology has opened an enormous window, exposing us to significant darkness on the other side.

Kinsa has collaborated with Microsoft to develop the Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS). Is CETS currently available in any languages other than English and French, and how can law enforcement agencies worldwide implement this tool?

CETS serves as an intelligence database designed exclusively for law enforcement, enabling them to work with, share, store, and conduct sophisticated analyses of large volumes of data from seized computers. At present, CETS is operational in approximately ten countries. As part of the deployment process, we assess which countries are suitable for its use and provide the system in their native languages; for example, we offer CETS in Spanish for Spain and Chile, and in Portuguese for Brazil.

How do you enlighten and motivate countries that are resistant to joining the global movement to combat the borderless crime against children and to protect their rights?

Often, every country has a strong will to recognise child abuse, which erodes the trust of our future generation. However, in many parts of the world, issues affecting children and women often do not take precedence, mainly because of prevailing laws in those regions.

The primary challenge lies with the justice systems of some countries and the lawyers who establish disparate protocols for sharing information—what they will allow and to what degree they will share it. Numerous countries have restrictions that prevent them from sharing information, and many organisations hesitate to disseminate images related to child abuse.

When we collaborate with Interpol on international investigations, the laws of certain countries won’t share photographs with Interpol because they are child exploitation images. In contrast, we view sexual exploitation images as crucial evidence in the same way we would treat evidence in homicide or bombing investigations. We will continue to share this information, despite legal restrictions; reform must begin at the grassroots level. It’s useless to talk to technophobic senior decision-makers who are 50 and 60 years old—when they hear of computers and investigations, they see dollar signs flying out the window.

Are certain countries willing to overlook criminal activities if they contribute to tourism revenue?

I will certainly acknowledge that some areas of the world are challenged by geographic and environmental conditions and other factors that lead to poverty, which can result in the emergence of “sex tourism destinations.”  My criticism is directed not at these countries themselves, but rather at Western nations that permit their citizens to travel to these locations and exploit the most vulnerable. I cannot think of anything worse than places that have just had a natural disaster—whether a typhoon, tsunami, or earthquake—where men from the West take advantage of children in dire situations.

Why are crimes occurring at an unprecedented rate?

Child abuse has existed throughout history. The former head of the FBI eloquently captured it when he said: “It’s [child abuse] an age-old crime combined with modern technology.”

While these crimes are not new, our awareness of their extent has significantly increased. The Internet has provided a platform for individuals to communicate globally, engage in various activities, and maintain anonymity, often allowing criminals to exploit numerous fields and evade capture.

We are specifically addressing the issue of child abuse, but numerous other forms of brutality are prevalent as well, including the beating of the homeless and the stripping and assault of women. We watch, film, share, and then walk away. What is driving our increasing apathy?

One contributing factor is the rise of various forms of mass communication—media, films, and the Internet. Every time a tragic event occurs, someone captures it on video, and it quickly becomes accessible on television or online. Also, the exploitative nature of modern films is troubling. In my youth, movies were rated X, 18, or 21, whereas today, they often receive a 14A rating. I do not want my children exposed to such graphic violence.

While I have no concern regarding natural sexual activity between consenting adults, I am firmly against the horrific brutality and mind-numbing entertainment that proliferates today. I don’t understand it, but I certainly know that is why people have less regard and perhaps less sensitivity to some of the horrible things that happen in life. Violence is in their face all the time, and when kids are growing up thinking that this is natural, how can we expect different results?

Does parenting play a role in fostering a harmonious environment?

We will have a much more productive society if parents spend time raising their children. However, in today’s fast-paced world, where everyone is constantly connected via devices like BlackBerrys and iPhones, the invaluable time parents spend with their children is often overlooked. Engaging in conversation, paying attention, and being involved in their children’s lives is crucial.

If your children are on the computer, explain the rules and check whether they are following them. It is not appropriate for a seven-year-old to have unrestricted access to the Internet. Parents need to set restrictions and, at an age-appropriate level, gradually allow them more responsibility. The Internet has changed many parents; they see it as a babysitter, which is unfortunate.

In Canada, this issue is particularly pressing; parents have forgotten how to say no. The investment parents make in their kids will pay off many times over, but unfortunately, with two jobs and the pursuit of material things, life is not what it used to be. While change is necessary, it might be wise to step back from technology and reflect on the fundamental elements that enrich our lives—our family and friends.

Do behavioural patterns within the home contribute to feelings of isolation or loneliness in children, ultimately leading them to seek solace on the Internet?

There are two key issues at play. First, vulnerable children who spend time online are often loners. Paedophiles with a particular interest in children are very good at identifying the vulnerable who will be susceptible to their charms. These paedophiles typically seek out children who may lack supportive parental figures, who feel lonely or shy, and who may be willing to engage in a prolonged grooming process that can span days, weeks, months, or even years on the Internet. 

Second, the disturbing pictures of child abuse and child exploitation on the Internet are not stranger-based. Instead, these abuses often involve individuals whom the child trusts, such as a father, uncle, coach, or priest, all of whom are granted access to the child’s life.

Explain the comfort of anonymity for both the criminal and the victim.

Today, a degree of sophistication allows criminals to maintain their anonymity, leading them to believe they can commit offences with minimal risk of being caught. Conversely, a lonely child with no friends at school may turn to the Internet, where they suddenly find themselves surrounded by virtual friends. This child might not reveal their true identity or circumstances, finding greater comfort and confidence in the fabricated life they create online.

Sexual victimisation has a devastating impact on children, creating a ripple effect that extends throughout their families and society as a whole. Please shed light on the depth and severity of sexual violence.

I have often thought of the scale of sexual violence. Over the past decade, alongside others, I have been committed to raising awareness about the long-term consequences of abuse.

Once a child has been abused, recovering their sense of trust is often elusive. Many abused children tend to make poor life choices, and substance abuse can become a coping mechanism. With the support of ongoing therapy from psychologists, they may eventually begin to confront the trauma of their experiences.

Throughout my numerous press conferences, I have been approached by countless victims now in their 30s, 40s, and 60s—individuals who are lawyers, police officers, and come from all walks of life—who have never shared their stories. These survivors often carry a heavy burden of shame, believing that the abuse was somehow their fault, and they seek guidance on how to process their experiences. It is frequently not until 20 or 30 years later that victims feel ready to disclose the violence they endured. The effects of sexual abuse can utterly alter the course of a person’s life.

When we assign a financial value to it—considering all the medical care, psychological treatment, and various expenses incurred over a lifetime—it becomes clear that the impact is comparable to that of a cancer diagnosis. Perhaps then, more people will recognise the severity of the issue.

The family unit is a very troubling dynamic. In many cases, the abuser is a father or someone very close to the family. And there are cases where the mother or others in the family will know, but it’s horrible that they don’t want to admit it. Family members often think the family’s financial situation will worsen. Usually, the blame falls on the victim. Sexual abuse has a devastating effect on individuals and fractures the family unit. The path to recovery from such trauma is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible.

I am striving to understand the vastness of sexual abuse and, as I work to create a representation of its ripple effect across continents, I find myself overwhelmed by the enormity of sexual violence, which permeates every layer of life.

Indeed, a former boss of mine often said, “Think about it; every one of us knows somebody who has been abused or knows of an abuser. Just think how widespread it is, this spider web.” We need to invest more time, effort, and money from all sections of society in addressing the problem itself and finding a better way to deal with it. I wish we would put significant resources into figuring out what causes men to make horrible decisions to abuse children and then find a treatment to remove that gene or that piece of DNA that causes them to abuse.

In certain cultures, particularly in my own [India], sexual abuse is often concealed. As a result, this silence can end up shielding generations of abuse, perpetuating it into the future.

I have travelled to various parts of the world and encountered individuals who make general claims that child abuse does not occur in their culture. I respond by asking them to select any city in their country, and within 24 hours, I can demonstrate—using our software—how many individuals have engaged in the horrific trade of images depicting the abuse of three-year-olds. Furthermore, I inform them that research indicates nearly one in every two individuals who share these images is likely to be a hands-on abuser.

Even when presented with evidence revealing perhaps 1,000 or 2,000 individuals in their city involved in such activities, many will still insist that it cannot be true. Their cultural perspective may prevent them from publicly acknowledging this issue, even if they recognise it privately. It is crucial for them to understand that they face the same societal challenges as others. Sexual abuse is not confined to specific cultures; it is not determined by the size of a city or the rural-urban divide. The presence of a perpetrator is equally likely in a large metropolitan area as in a small town, or anywhere worldwide. Ultimately, it reflects a man’s struggle to control himself, transcending cultural boundaries.

Throughout the years, I have witnessed an alarming trend where abusers—both men and women—outrightly deny their actions while masquerading as devoted family members. Disturbingly, in the face of serious allegations, many of these predators have their families rallying around them, offering support. How does this dynamic impact the victims? It is essential to communicate a strong message to families that support and enable these criminals, ultimately destroying lives in the process.

First and foremost, one must confront the reality that by the time these offenders are caught, they often have a history of multiple victims. It is ridiculous that even in the face of evidence, enablers choose to believe the offender. I have seen this far too often. Despite the presence of videos, photographs, and credible testimonies from victims—some as young as six years old—families of the abuser frequently redirect the blame onto the victim, suggesting that the child somehow invited the abuse. They need to wake up to this truth.

The reality is that the predator will exert considerable influence over the family, whether through financial dependency or by manipulating perceptions. Meanwhile, victims are left to endure the long-lasting aftermath of their trauma, often unable to achieve their full potential. It’s time for families to choose: stand with the truth or continue to enable a cycle of destruction.

The prevailing belief is that a significant percentage of sexual assaults are perpetrated by men who are single, economically disadvantaged, and of colour. However, it is crucial to recognise that sexual predators can just as easily be women, affluent individuals, or married people who maintain polished public personas.

Socio-economic conditions do not define sexual offenders; they can range from impoverished to extremely wealthy. In fact, as offenders accumulate wealth, they often engage in abusive behaviours with a reduced fear of being apprehended. Some of the most organised and dangerous groups on the Internet tend to be more educated and come from socio-economically privileged backgrounds.

The male population—infants, young boys, and adolescents—also suffers from sexual abuse. Why, then, are boys and men often denied the attention and support that is afforded to females in similar situations? 

The number of boys who experience sexual abuse is indeed significant, though slightly lower than that of girls; still, the figures are alarmingly close. One major challenge is that boys, particularly those aged 10 to 13, often find it difficult to disclose incidents of sexual assault or abuse due to feelings of embarrassment. Moreover, some may be confused if they felt any pleasure during the act; offenders are adept at instilling feelings of guilt and shame. A substantial number of the calls I receive are from men in their 40s and 50s who, 35 years ago, were coerced into situations they never fully processed and still grapple with the lasting impact of shame.

If the sexually abused boys had sought help earlier, could they have experienced a better quality of life?

Absolutely. Consider how many potential doctors, scientists, prime ministers, and presidents never had the chance to realise their destinies due to the horrific incidents that forever altered their lives. The sexual abuse that shattered their trust led them to make poor life decisions, steering them away from who they could have become. This represents one of the countless and immeasurable consequences of these heinous crimes. It frustrates me that many people fail to understand this profound loss.

Individuals could have also developed better relationships within their families.

Consider the weight that this places on young shoulders. On multiple occasions, I have received calls from a young woman who endured horrific abuse when she was just four, five, and six years old, with images of her sexual abuse shared online. We, the police, witnessed these children grow up on the Internet, actively participating in efforts to find and rescue them. Fast forward a few years, and this young woman finds herself grappling with whether to confide in her boyfriend or, later on, when she marries, to show him those images. She is acutely aware that they exist on the Internet—once shared, such images are virtually permanent. That added stigma is crushing. The horror of being abused as a child is unimaginable. Can one truly comprehend that the most traumatic experience of their life is out there for all to see, being exploited for others’ gratification? How could life possibly become any more devastating than that?

I am utterly outraged.

It is truly sad and disheartening, and we fail to honour the victims by downplaying the severity of the situation and not addressing it directly. We do a disservice to those affected when we do not allocate more resources to prevent future victimisation. Consider the significant funds spent on initiatives such as security measures for the G8 and G20. If we directed just a fraction of those resources towards preventing child sexual abuse, it could make a substantial difference in safeguarding our children and future generations.

For the sake of their mental health and emotional well-being, is counselling provided to officers tasked with reviewing and sifting through millions of disturbing child abuse images?

I was profoundly affected the moment I encountered the first image. Kinsa does not offer counselling, but approximately seven to eight years ago, we initiated both informal and formal counselling programs within the trauma police, which officers were encouraged to attend. While we could not compel them to speak, we ensured that psychiatrists and counsellors were available.

In many regions around the world, including Canada, officers are required to undergo psychological evaluations before, during, and after their service. Kinsa trains and recruits officers globally to enhance their capabilities as cybercrime investigators. We dedicate half a day to health and wellness—an area that is often insufficiently addressed. The well-being of investigators, who spend significant time confronting sexual abuse images, is absolutely crucial.

Are there instances where, despite your team’s careful efforts, something falls through the cracks, putting the entire case at risk?

How about [cases getting jeopardised] every day? Consider the process: examining the evidence like a CSI behind the scenes, pondering where it might lead, identifying the location of the image to pinpoint the offender, assessing whether we received a complaint from the victim, and collecting all necessary statements. Yet, in the end, nothing comes of it. A witness may refuse to testify, paperwork may be mishandled, or the judge may demonstrate an unwarranted level of sympathy. This is a common reality in law enforcement. It’s a lesson learned: doing your best is often not enough. As a law enforcement officer, you come to understand that, despite your best intentions, certain elements sometimes remain beyond your control.

Does awareness of child sexual abuse make a significant difference in garnering society’s attention?

The awareness surrounding child abuse is on the rise. I compare it to the awareness of AIDS in the early 1980s—something that was rarely discussed but has since gained global recognition. As we illuminate the issue of child sexual abuse and as law enforcement efforts around the world continue to improve, I am optimistic that we will eventually apprehend the most dangerous offenders. I recently came across a statement in the newspaper: “Knowing that you might be looking for me is the only thing that kept me alive.”

We need to keep shining a light so victims know we won’t give up and that we’ll get them out of that situation. And if they can find the strength to call somebody they trust.

What does the future hold for Kinsa?

My current objective with Kinsa is to enhance the global police response to crime. While there are no universal laws in place, dedicated professionals are making strides in specialised areas. Ultimately, it’s the officers on the cyber beat who will drive meaningful change. My long-term vision is to help developing nations adopt the Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS).

My ultimate aim is for this database to evolve into a comprehensive global human trafficking system. Achieving this goal will require a collective international effort and effective collaboration, which I am eager to help facilitate.

Your work is quite intense. What motivates you to start anew each day?

We are accomplishing remarkable work as a cohesive team. We have successfully identified and rescued children, establishing partnerships worldwide that enable officers to locate and save children in various countries. The impactful stories of children’s lives and preventing future abuse serve as our constant source of motivation.

Photographer for Animals, CA