Welcome to the Family and Friends Forum.
This forum is a supportive space for those affected by the online sexual offending of someone they know. You may have many questions about the future and feel a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, betrayal, confusion—while still caring for the person involved. Here, you can share experiences, ask questions, and find support from others in similar situations.
Important Information:
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The forum serves as a platform for discussing topics that may be sensitive or triggering for some users. Before you start reading through the threads on the Forum, we encourage you to visit our 'Wellbeing on the Forum' page. If you are struggling with your mental health, or experiencing a lot of difficult and confusing feelings, we recommend seeking support from a mental health professional, or a trusted family member or friend before accessing the forum. If you are in crisis or require immediate support, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional or the emergency services in your area.
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For a list of sources of support and advice, please click here.
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For a glossary of abbreviations and terms, please click here.
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This is an open forum – anyone can read posts, but registration is required to post. To register as a user, please click here. First posts are always moderated as this helps us ensure that the forum is a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Once you have been taken off moderation, you will be able to use the private messaging function, which you can read more about here.
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Please read about how to use the forum and the forum agreement before registering to post.
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LFF may share personal information with authorities if offences that are unknown to the police are disclosed on the forum, or if there is a risk of harm either to the user of the forum or someone else. For more information about this, please read the forum agreement.
If you need support, or are worried about the online sexual behaviour of an adult who has not been arrested, and would like to talk about what you are going through, please contact our anonymous Stop It Now helpline to speak to one of our advisors:
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Call 0808 1000 900: Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm, Friday 9am to 5pm
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Alternatively, if you don’t feel ready or able to speak to someone, then you can visit stopitnow.org.uk/helpline to send us a secure message or use our live chat.
You can also find more support and information on our website.
| Category | Topics | Last activity |
|---|---|---|
LFF Posts, news and updatesPosts from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, including news, updates on services and resources. |
72 |
RE: Virtual gathering |
Welcome and new usersFor newcomers to introduce themselves, ask questions, and find guidance on how to navigate the forum. |
15 |
RE: Confused and frustrated |
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. |
6398 |
RE: I think I've finally made my decision |
The family and childrenFor posts about anything to do with families, children and children’s services. |
864 |
RE: Raising a family with an offender |
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. |
20 |
RE: Negative impact on my son's first year at college |
The legal processFor posts about the legal process and criminal justice system, including the police, courts and solicitors. |
715 |
RE: Time between charges and evidence |
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. |
43 |
16 year affair- contact from (ex) |
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. |
192 |
RE: Telling Work (Childcare) |
Understanding whyFor posts about your loved ones behaviour, and trying to understand why. |
110 |
RE: Contact with child |