Understanding and Preventing Sexual Offending

Professional guidance and resources to help prevent sexual violence and support those at risk of offending. Early intervention and support can help break cycles of harm

Understanding Sexual Offending Behaviour

Sexual offending encompasses various harmful behaviours that require professional intervention. Understanding these behaviours and their impact helps prevent future harm through early intervention and specialist support. Recent data shows significant changes in offending patterns, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

Common Challenges in Prevention

Understanding the barriers to seeking help is crucial for effective prevention:

Fear of judgment or consequences

Difficulty recognising problematic thoughts

Uncertainty about where to find support

Concerns about confidentiality

Struggling with online behaviour

Limited access to specialist services

Understanding the Current Landscape
107,000
Sexual offences against children reported in 2022-23, showing a concerning 7.6% year-on-year increase
32%
Of reported cases now involve online sexual abuse, a rapidly growing trend expected to increase further in 2024
52%
Of cases involve children aged 10-17 offending against other children, a significant shift in abuse patterns

Pathways to Prevention

Early Intervention

Accessing support at the first sign of concerning thoughts or behaviours can prevent harm and protect potential victims.

Professional Support

Specialist services provide confidential support to help manage thoughts and change behaviour patterns.

Online Safety

Understanding digital risks and developing strategies to maintain appropriate online behaviour.

Survivor Resources & Research

Learning from other survivors journeys can be a powerful tool, and make you feel much less alone. Access specialist articles, survivor stories, and evidence-based research about childhood sexual violence recovery and support.

Survivor Support
Understanding the impacts of Sexual Violence & Recovery

Articles and guides covering trauma responses, recovery stages, and practical support strategies for survivors of childhood sexual violence.

Survivor Poetry Collection

A curated collection of poems written by survivors of sexual abuse, sharing personal experiences of trauma, healing, and recovery. *Please note that whilst this content is moderated you may find some of it triggering so please take care*

Research & Insights

Key findings from our research , revealing crucial insights into sexual violence and abuse, how survivors access support services, costs to the NHS and survivor experiences, and more

Make a Difference Today

With your support, we can help more survivors access the support they need when they need it. Every donation directly funds our work to supporting those affected by sexual violence.