Our Inform programme supports partners, ex-partners, relatives and friends of anyone who has been arrested, cautioned or convicted for internet offences involving indecent images of children or sexual communication with children.
To discuss the course and availability, please call our confidential Stop It Now helpline (0808 1000 900), use our live chat or send us a secure email.
What will I get from Inform?
When confronted with this behaviour, most people initially feel anger, shock, and confusion – or just numbness. This is quickly followed by urgent questions about how this will affect their family, their relationships, their job – and how they are going to cope with the legal process, the possible media interest, and the potential stigma.
Inform provides a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space where people can share and explore the emotional and practical impact of this behaviour, alongside other people who are dealing with similar traumatic issues.
You’ll have more understanding of your loved ones offending and greater awareness of what to expect at the different stages of the criminal justice process, as well as a dedicated space to explore the ongoing trauma of the ‘the knock’.
Inform covers a number of topics and provides a wide range of information:
- Information on how to cope with and reduce stress and isolation
- Advice about self-care
- Support through ongoing recovery from the impact of ‘the knock’
- Understand the behavioural processes involved in online offending
- Explore questions such as: ‘why did he do it?’ and ‘why didn’t he stop?’
- Dispel myths and receive factual information about online offending
- Information about the criminal justice system and the implications of sentencing outcomes and the sex offender register
- Work out practical strategies to plan for the future, including on-going risk awareness and management
- Useful resources and signposts to other agencies for support
Participants will receive a completion letter at the end of the programme, which confirms attendance and outlines the content of the programme.
How does Inform work?
- 5 sessions up to two and a half hours each
- between 4 and 6 participants in a group. It might be possible for us to deliver a programme on a one-to-one basis, or to adjust the material to suit a person’s individual needs
- run by specialist and experienced staff, and provides information about all aspects of online sexual offending
How much does Inform cost?
Inform is free, although we encourage donations from participants to help support the work we do with families.
To find out more about Inform or to book, please call, email or chat our anonymous Stop It Now helpline.
Information shared during sessions remains confidential and won’t be passed on unless:
- it raises concerns about a child at risk
- a previously unreported offence is disclosed
- it has been agreed in advance to share information about progress with other agencies
Please note that Inform does not assess a participant’s ability to protect children who may be deemed to be at risk.
What previous participants have said
Just a massive thank you. There is so little support out there for families and you really have to dig around for information, this course has been a godsend.
I was looking for a place that could help me understand more and, in all honesty, I wanted to see for myself that there was someone that cared enough about actually helping the people going through this, directly and indirectly. I also went for this because I was craving connection with people that would understand my situation not because it's exactly the same but because of their experience and mine being similar in a way. I came away from this course with all of those three points met in a way that has warmed my heart.
This is such a lifeline for families as sometimes it feels so lonely and isolating and there is little else on offer to support families. I was offered a follow-up session in a few weeks to check how I am. I really appreciated this as I felt a bit anxious and sad when the sessions came to an end and worried about dealing with the future. Many thanks for everything you do at LFF.
