Dyfed Powys, Gwent, North Wales and South Wales police forces are partnering with UK-wide charity the Lucy Faithfull Foundation on a campaign to stop online child sexual abuse: Stop It Now.
The campaign follows news that 275,000 people in the UK received support from Stop It Now helpline or online self-help last year. In Wales there has been a 34% increase in people seeking help from Stop It Now in 2024 compared to 2023.
Working together, the police aim to raise awareness of the scale and nature of online child sexual abuse in the local area, and how to stop it. This includes viewing sexual images of under-18s and online sexual grooming.
The campaign includes social media content, including the campaign films produced by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, specifically designed to deter people from viewing sexual images of children online or having sexual conversations with children online. The campaign signposts anyone in Wales concerned about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour to the anonymous Stop It Now helpline to prevent child sexual abuse – before it happens.
Detective Superintendent Wayne Bevan, Wales police lead for Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, said:
“I’m pleased to share that the four Welsh police forces have come together to support the Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s Stop It Now campaign and its preventative approach to child sexual abuse.
“We all know that children are spending more and more time online, and that they enjoy using the internet to play games with or talk to their friends outside of school. They should be able to do this safely and without the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
“However, there are a small number of adults who see popular gaming and social media platforms as a means of contacting young people with a view of sexually exploiting them. The amount of time it takes for an unknown person to contact a child online is shockingly quick, and our aim is to ensure children remain safe and are protected from this predatory behaviour.
“Police will always take action where offences are committed, but there is a clear benefit to prevention work and stepping in before a crime takes place.
“The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is carrying out crucial work to deter potential criminal behaviour by engaging with adults who recognise they are having sexual thoughts about children, are worried about their own behaviour towards children online, or who have been arrested for offences involving children.
“Through the foundation’s online resources and helpline, potential perpetrators are diverted from committing offences, preventing children from becoming victims.
“I’m sure we’re all in agreement that we should be taking all possible measures to keep children safe online, including working with those who pose a risk to young people. The important work being carried out by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation gives us the chance to prevent abuse before it happens.”
Claire Short, Lucy Faithfull Foundation Wales Manager said: “Online sexual offences against children continue to affect communities across Wales. People who offend in this way come from all walks of life, and there is no one type of person who engages in this behaviour. This campaign puts the spotlight on the issue, to raise awareness of the harm it causes and, crucially, the support we offer.
“We want people in Wales who are concerned about their online behaviours to contact us for support before it’s too late. We can help you find a pathway out – confidentially, anonymously and without judgement. We also want loved ones, professionals, or anyone in Wales concerned about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts or behaviour towards children to know that they can get anonymous and confidential support from Stop It Now to protect children and prevent harm.”
Contact Stop It Now on 0808 1000 900 or visit www.stopitnow.org.uk for anonymous advice and support. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation welcome helpline calls in Welsh or English.
