Melkumyan, Y., Odinokova, V., Karapetyan, T., & Antonyan, M. (2026). Ethical and methodological barriers to child sexual abuse research in Armenia: Balancing protection, consent, and participation. Children and Youth Services Review, 185, 108952.

Abstract

Research on child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is essential for prevention and service planning, yet in conservative settings it is often constrained by stigma, institutional gatekeeping, and ethical uncertainty. This article by SVRI Grant Partner (Armenia, 2024) discusses the feasibility of developing ethically and culturally appropriate child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) research in Armenia and identifies the practical implications of local barriers for informed consent, safe data collection, and meaningful child participation. Although focused on Armenia, the barrier–risk logic is relevant to other contexts characterised by conservative norms, strong gatekeeping, and limited support infrastructures.