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Get in touchWelcome to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland newsletter
September 2023
This quarterly newsletter keeps you up-to-date with new projects, resources, training and the impact of our work.
You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more regular updates.
Shore: a new pioneering website for teenagers concerned about sexual behaviour
We are proud to announce that our parent charity, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, launched Shore earlier this week. Designed especially for young people aged 13-18, the new website is a dedicated and confidential space for teenagers concerned about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts and behaviour.
Read our blog to learn more about why we created the website
Join our #GetHelpOrGetCaught campaign to prevent child sexual abuse
Earlier this year, we ran a press and social media campaign aimed at deterring people from accessing sexual images of under-18s and grooming under-16s online by seeking early help.
Thank you to all who supported us by sharing or posting about our services on your channels.
We are running a second iteration of the campaign called #GetHelpOrGetCaught in partnership with Police Scotland until 20 October 2023. Please support us again by sharing our and Police Scotland’s posts.
Increased demand for our services
More people are seeking our help. From April to August, we received 115 referrals – an 82% increase compared to the previous year. To meet this growing demand, we are running five psycho-educational group programmes this Autumn:
- Two Inform Plus Programmes: Aimed at individuals arrested for online offences against children, helping them understand the impact of their actions.
- Two Inform Programmes: Designed for family members affected by the arrest of their loved ones.
- One Breaking the Links Programme: Tailored for individuals who have committed online offences and are dealing with significant trauma issues.
All programmes provide a non-judgemental and supportive environment. To find out more about our group work, visit our programmes page.
Family members share post ‘knock’ world stories
For over a year, Naomi McGookin, a doctoral student at Glasgow Caledonian University, has been volunteering with us while conducting research for her PhD. In partnership with service users, her research is focused on gaining a deeper understanding of their experiences when they find themselves in contact with statutory agencies, following allegations of child sexual abuse.
Four parents have been creatively documenting their traumas and experiences of their post-‘knock’ world. And in August 2023, we hosted an exclusive evening reception and exhibition titled “Knock NOC: The Lived Experiences of Non-offending Partners and Children.” The exhibition featured photography, poetry, prose, and a live play performed by actors.
Read our blog to learn more about the exhibition and Naomi’s research
New resources
Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse: New Sibling Sexual Behaviour Guide for Professionals
In collaboration with Stuart Allardyce, director for Stop it Now! Scotland, and Dr Peter Yates, lecturer at Edinburgh University, the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse has published a new resource to help professionals navigate the complexities raised by sibling sexual behaviours. The guide is divided into two parts: Part A focuses on identifying and understanding sibling sexual behaviour, while Part B covers professional responses to assessment and interventions. View the guide here.
Sibling Sexual Behaviour Safety Plan
To coincide with the above, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation has released a new resource offering guidance to parents, caregivers, and professionals dealing with sibling sexual abuse. The webpage includes our new sibling sexual behaviour safety plan template, which can be used when concerns arise regarding inappropriate or abusive sexual behaviour among siblings. View our Sibling Sexual Behaviour resource on Stop It Now!
Catch Stop It Now! Scotland speaking at these upcoming events
Forensic Network’s Clinical Forum: Victims & Trauma
22 November 2023 | Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling
A series of talks from national experts about their work in the interfaces between criminal justice, treatment, offenders and victims.
Visit Forensic Network to book
Thriving Survivors Conference
17 November 2023 | The Studio, Glasgow
This first-ever annual conference by Thriving Survivors focuses on how implementing restorative practices and approaches can lead to systemic change in Scotland. We will be hosting a workshop on harmful sexual behaviour.
Visit Thriving Survivors for programme details, costs, and booking information
NOTA Scotland and Forensic Network Sexual Harm Webinar: Working With Children Under 12 Who Display HSB
29 November 2023, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Online
This webinar will cover current research and evidence concerning children under 12 who display sexually concerning or problematic behaviour and best practices in assessment and interventions.
Professional Learning Week: Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Online
14 November 2023, 12:00 pm to 1.30 pm | Online
As part of the Association of Child Protection Professionals and Centre for Child Sexual Abuse Learning Week, Professor Simon Hackett and Stuart Allardyce will explore the role of digital technology in harmful sexual behaviour between children.
For prices and booking, visit the Association of Child Protection Professionals website
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation: New resource for children affected by the arrest of a loved one for an online sexual offence webinar
Stuart Allardyce and Lindsay Mullen, our harmful sexual behaviour lead, will share a new psycho-educational resource for professionals to use when working with young people aged 13 and above, affected by the arrest of a loved one for an online sexual offence. The webinar will be pre-recorded and available between 20 November and 1 December 2023.
Visit the Lucy Faithfull Foundation website to book
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Network
Stop It Now! Scotland chairs a quarterly Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Network, bringing together individuals and organisations committed to preventing child sexual abuse. This group offers members an opportunity to stay informed about developments in Scotland related to child sexual abuse prevention and learn from initiatives outside Scotland.
In its last meeting, NSPCC Together for Children colleagues discussed strategic and community-based approaches to child sexual abuse prevention in Plymouth and Stoke-on-Trent. The upcoming meeting in January will focus on education and prevention. If you would like more information about the group or wish to join, please contact us.
Please get in touch if you want more information about our work.
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