Welcome to the Family and Friends Forum
This is a supportive space for anyone affected by the online sexual offending of someone they know. You may be feeling a mix of emotions—confusion, sadness, anger, or even care for the person involved. You're not alone. Here, you can connect with others in similar situations, ask questions, and share experiences.
Using the Forum
This is an open forum—anyone can read posts, but you’ll need to register to contribute. Your first post will be moderated to help keep the space safe and supportive. Once approved, you’ll be able to use private messaging.
Please read our guide on how to use the Forum and Forum Agreement before posting.
For a glossary of abbreviations and terms, please click here.
Confidentiality and Safety
If a post reveals information about offences not known to the police, or suggests someone may be at risk of harm, we may share details with the relevant authorities.
Before You Begin
Some discussions may be sensitive or emotionally challenging. We encourage you to visit our Wellbeing on the Forum page before exploring the threads. If you're feeling overwhelmed, please consider speaking with a mental health professional or someone you trust.
For a list of sources of support and advice, please click here.
If you're in crisis or need immediate help, contact emergency services or a qualified mental health provider in your area.
Need to Talk?
If you're worried about someone’s online sexual behaviour and they haven’t been arrested—or if you’d like to speak to someone about your own situation—you can talk anonymously and in confidence with one of our advisors.
Call 0808 1000 900
Monday–Thursday: 9am–9pm
Friday: 9am–5pm
Or visit https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/helpline to send a secure message or use live chat.
You’ll also find more resources and information on our https://www.stopitnow.org.uk.
| Category | Topics | Last activity |
|---|---|---|
LFF Posts, news and updatesPosts from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, including news, updates on services and resources. |
79 |
Apology for Recent Forum Downtime |
Welcome and new usersFor newcomers to introduce themselves, ask questions, and find guidance on how to navigate the forum. |
53 |
I thought he was my saviour |
Self-care and Well-beingFor support and advice on self-care and personal well-being. |
10 |
RE: Post-Traumatic Stress |
Discussion and supportFor posts about general topics, that are directly aimed at seeking mutual support, or for posts that don’t fit into other categories. |
6639 |
RE: What happens afterwards ? |
The family and childrenFor posts about anything to do with families, children and children’s services. |
906 |
RE: Absolutely fed up with SS |
Families impacted by a child/young person's online sexual behaviourA supportive space for parents, carers, and family members of children or young people (under 21, or under 24 with learning disabilities) who have got into trouble for their online sexual behaviour. |
38 |
RE: Court summons arrived |
The legal processFor posts about the legal process and criminal justice system, including the police, courts and solicitors. |
736 |
RE: New laws regarding children... |
Life after sentencingFor posts discussing aspects of moving forward after sentencing, restrictions including SOR (Sex Offender Register) and SHPO (Sexual Harm Prevention Order), probation, prison and long-term impact on families. |
54 |
Sentencing bill 2025 |
The media and telling othersFor posts about how and what to share with family, friends and professionals, or about the press, social media and public exposure. |
191 |
RE: Media and social media hell |
Understanding whyFor posts about your loved ones behaviour, and trying to understand why. |
112 |
RE: Refusal to get help / solicitor. |