Graham's story: Account of perpetrator post-arrest

"I contacted Stop It Now! Scotland after I was arrested.

My life fell apart that day. I lost everything.

My wife asked me to leave the family home. I couldn’t see my grandchildren.

I had to move into emergency accommodation. I became suicidal.

I knew I had a problem.

I had been looking at indecent images of children online for a few years before the police caught up with me.  

One of the police officers on my case suggested I contact Stop It Now! for help and advice.

I had seen adverts for Stop It Now! pop up while I was searching for illegal content, but I didn’t know if I could trust them.

If I had called them then, this grenade going off in my and my family’s lives might have been prevented.

Stop It Now! helped me understand what would happen during the investigation and what my future would look like.

They encouraged me to go to my GP about my suicidal thoughts.

I am no longer offending and rebuilding my life after my sentencing.

I regret not getting help sooner."

If you are viewing indecent images of children online, you can stop with help and support. Call the Stop It Now! Scotland helpline for anonymous and confidential advice.