Self help topic:

Moving forward

Self-help, information and support on how to continue moving forward, disclose your offending and build a fulfilling life.

Moving forward, talking about past mistakes and creating a fulfilling life requires courage and support. These sections will help you face the future, build a strong support system and engage in positive activities.

Be kind to yourself, set realistic goals, and stay accountable. Embrace a healthy lifestyle and be patient with the process. Each step brings you closer to a brighter future.

Old patterns of behaviour can be returned to, especially at times of stress. This section is all about relapse prevention – how to prevent a relapse, and if you do slip, how to pick yourself up and get building again.

What is relapse?
A relapse is slipping back into former ways of life, after you have built changes for the better
When is relapse more likely
Relapses often happen when you’re experiencing negative thoughts and feelings, for example, boredom, anxiety, depression or loneliness
Warning signs of relapse
Warning signs relating to sexual offending can include physical, behavioural and emotional changes in both adults and children
Exercise: relapse prevention
Write a list of your physical, behavioural and emotional warning signs and answer questions
No going back
The last section might have seemed a bit negative but it’s important to be realistic – those risks and temptations do exist
My relapse prevention plan – reflection
Spend some time identifying your own risk factors so you are aware of what they are and how to manage them

People from all over the world tend to want similar things in life in order to feel happy and satisfied. When people are happy with their lives, they’re less likely to get into trouble.

Good Lives Model
The Good Lives Model tells us that everyone needs to feel satisfied in a few different areas of their life to feel good
Beware of obstacles
Sometimes it can be really hard to meet your needs and there can be things that get in the way

Being conviction of a sexual offence has lots of significant consequences. One of the main outcomes is being involved with the police and the criminal justice system.

Legal consequences of a conviction for a sexual offence in England and Wales
Being conviction of a sexual offence has lots of significant consequences.
Other consequences
There are many other consequences that you need to consider
Dealing with the media
The media don’t publish information about every online child sexual abuse offence but people often tell us they’re worried about it when a loved one is arrested
How to tell people about your sexual offences
It can be very difficult to talk about sex, particularly sexual offences
Talking to different people about sexual offences
When discussing the situation with your partner, remember all the skills we’ve discussed

Problem solving – the process of working through the details of a problem to reach a solution, is a skill which promotes good decision making and encourages confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Problem solving
The process of working through the details of a problem to reach a solution
Overcoming obstacles
Sometimes overcoming obstacles involves thinking outside the box
Reflection: problem solving
Reflect on your confidence level in various areas
More self-help topics available
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Concerned about your thoughts or behaviour?

Self-help, information and support for people troubled by their sexual thoughts about children and young people.

Wellbeing and self-care

These sections will help you learn healthy ways to communicate, express yourself and challenge negative self-talk to improve your self-esteem.

Concerned about your online behaviour

Many people who have engaged in online sexual behaviour involving children believe that there is a ‘grey area’ between what is legal and illegal. There is not.

Contact us

Our confidential helpline is free and available to anyone concerned about child sexual abuse.

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