Family and Friends Forum

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:
  • 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.
  • For a list of sources of support and advice, please click here.
  • For a glossary of abbreviations and terms, please click here.
  • 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
  • Please read about how to use the forum and the forum agreement before registering to post. 
  • 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:  
  • Call 0808 1000 900: Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm, Friday 9am to 5pm
  • 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 updates


Posts from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, including news, updates on services and resources.

74

Results from the Satisfaction Survey
by Lucy from Stop it Now! on Mon July 7, 2025 1:27pm

Welcome and new users


For newcomers to introduce themselves, ask questions, and find guidance on how to navigate the forum.

18

RE: Support available?
by HoldingHope on Fri July 11, 2025 8:31pm

Discussion and support


For posts about general topics, that are directly aimed at seeking mutual support, or for posts that don’t fit into other categories.

6444

RE: Does it ever leave you?
by Inturmoil1974 on Sat July 12, 2025 7:35pm

The family and children


For posts about anything to do with families, children and children’s services.

875

RE: New life...advice..
by Lrf on Fri July 11, 2025 8:33pm

Families impacted by a child/young person's online sexual behaviour


A 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.

22

Survey by Prison Advice and Care Trust (PACT) - disclosure and children/young people
by Lucy from Stop it Now! on Thu July 10, 2025 9:20am

The legal process


For posts about the legal process and criminal justice system, including the police, courts and solicitors.

717

RE: Investigation times
by Stitch123 on Sat July 12, 2025 7:03pm

Life after sentencing


For 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. 

46

RE: Advice needed again
by Lolar1234 on Thu July 10, 2025 1:01pm

The media and telling others


For posts about how and what to share with family, friends and professionals, or about the press, social media and public exposure.

193

RE: Reporting restrictions
by Tallulah on Sat July 12, 2025 6:22pm

Understanding why


For posts about your loved ones behaviour, and trying to understand why.

110

RE: Is there a link between low self esteem and attraction to children?
by djmichelle on Fri July 4, 2025 1:04pm

Quick exit