It’s a criminal offence to:

• groom children
• send sexual messages
• look at sexual images or videos of children
• make children do sexual activities

Legally, a child is anyone under 18.

The risks of not seeking help

If you act on sexual thoughts, you risk:

• your actions being made public
• loss of privacy and freedom
• job loss
• home and family break up
• being convicted of child sexual offences

If you feel like you might commit this type of offence, contact Stop it Now for confidential advice.

Lorraine’s story: whose husband was arrested for child sexual abuse

Watch Lorraine's story on YouTube

Transcript of Lorraine’s story

"My whole world came crashing down the day the police knocked on my door. I was arrested, along with my son and husband. Illegal sexual images of children had been viewed at my house. There must have been a mistake. Surely, my husband or son were incapable of committing such a horrible crime.

After a day of being interviewed by the police, my son and I were released. It was my husband who had committed the offence. I was horrified. I sobbed uncontrollably and thought I would vomit.

The police gave me a leaflet about Stop It Now! Scotland’s services. I’m glad I called them. Without them, I would not have been able to cope. They provided moral support and advice to help me recover. I lost so much that day, life would never be the same again for me, my son, or my husband. Stop It Now! provided me with hope and a path to recovery."

Neil’s story: who changed his sexual behaviour

Watch Neil's story on YouTube

Transcript of Neil’s story

"I was always hopeless in relationships and found being online easier than being in the ‘real world’. The anonymity allowed me to say things I would never say in person. Honestly, connecting with people online was the only thing I wanted to do.

I started to spend more time talking sexually with adults online and less time going out. I would make my excuses to my friends and my family to avoid seeing them.

Eventually, I didn’t care what age the people I talked to were. I told myself I wasn’t forcing anyone to do anything they didn’t want to. But in the cold light of day, I knew my behaviour wasn’t normal.

At first, I didn’t know who to talk to. But then I became aware of Stop It Now. I spoke to Pete on the Stop It Now! helpline. He helped me understand the consequences of my behaviour on victims, and steps I could take to stop.

I’m in a much better place now. I’ve joined a walking group, taken up gardening, and put boundaries on my online use. I feel better about my future and myself."

Graham’s story: life after arrest for child sexual abuse

Watch Graham's story on YouTube

Transcript of Graham’s story

"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."

What to do if you need help to stop

You can stop with support from Stop It Now. They can give you anonymous and confidential advice.