Family and Friends Forum

Welcome to the Family and Friends Forum.

This forum is a space for family members and friends of people who have been viewing sexual images of children or sexually communicating with a child online. Here you can seek support from others in similar situations, by anonymously sharing experiences, thoughts and knowledge.

If you have been affected by the online sexual offending of someone you know, it is important that you get the best support for you.

You might have a lot of questions about what is going to happen or what the future will look like. You might also be experiencing lots of difficult and confusing emotions, such as anger, sadness and betrayal, yet you might still care deeply for the person concerned.

We hope the forum can provide you with valuable support from people in a similar situation, answer your questions, and reduce anxieties and sense of isolation. Most importantly, we hope the forum reassures you that there is hope for the future. 


This is an open forum and anyone can read posts. However, if you want to post a message – and we hope you do – you will need to register. New users’ first posts will not appear on the forum until they have been moderated. After that, new users’ posts will appear straight away. This helps us ensure that the forum is a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Please read about how to use the forum and our forum agreement before registering to post a message.


We know that some forum users are going through a lot of trauma and stress. Please be aware that some people will find certain posts upsetting.

If you need support, please contact our confidential Stop It Now! helpline.

  • Call 0808 1000 900: Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm, Friday 9am to 5pm
  • 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

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.

4735

RE: How long
by EllBee on Wed March 27, 2024 11:08pm

The family and children


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

669

Kinda long question..
by ButImAGreatDad on Thu March 28, 2024 5:12am

The legal process


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

560

RE: Prison
by Dad005 on Wed March 27, 2024 11:23pm

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.

145

RE: How to navigate new friendships with this secret?
by rainyday52 on Wed March 27, 2024 8:46am

Understanding why


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

82

RE: I desperately need to tell a friend
by Ocean on Mon March 11, 2024 8:22pm

LFF Posts


52

RE: Direct Messaging Launch and How To Access
by Mandymoo on Thu February 22, 2024 10:52pm