Get help or get caught
Information for perpetrators of child sexual abuse and how Police Scotland is investigating it.
What to do if you are worried about inappropriate thoughts or behaviours towards children and young people
Grooming, indecent communication, looking at sexual images of children online and causing children to participate in sexual activity, are all serious criminal offences.
If you feel like you might commit this type of offence, we urge you strongly to get in contact with Stop it Now!Scotland for confidential advice.
- Targeting young people online for any sexually motivated purpose is wrong and you will get caught
- You are putting yourself at huge risk of being publicly exposed
- You can lose your privacy, your family, your home, employment and freedom
- You do not know who you are talking to online. It could be a young person or it could be the police.
- If you don’t get help, you will be caught.
- There is confidential and non-judgmental help available via Stop It Now, seek help now.
Child sexual abuse is a priority for Police Scotland
Investigation of sexual crimes against children is one of Police Scotland's highest priorities.
Police Scotland has a specialist unit, the National Child Abuse Investigation Unit (NCAIU). They investigate complex child abuse and neglect across Scotland.
Police Scotland works with partner agencies across the UK to catch and convict offenders.
If you are at risk of offending, we would urge you to seek help.
If you don't, you risk destroying your home, work and family life. Your actions could be made public.
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