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Inform - for families of people who have offended online

Our Inform programme is for 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.

We understand the devastating impact that sexual offending can have on families. Inform provides a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space. Here, participants can share and explore the emotional and practical impact, alongside those who are dealing with similar traumatic issues.

Our programmes are run by specialist and experienced staff, and each group is made up of people affected by online sexual offending. The programme gives factual information about all aspects of online sexual offending, so that participants have more understanding of their loved one’s offending and greater awareness of what to expect at different stages of the criminal justice process.  

What does inform include?

The programme covers a wide range of information:

• Provide emotional support to help participants cope and alleviate feelings of stress and isolation
• Help participants to understand the behavioural process involved in online offending
• Explore questions such as: 'why did he do it?' and 'why didn't he stop?'
• Dispel myths and provide factual information about online offending
• Provide information about the criminal justice system and consider practical issues around the implications of sentencing outcomes and the sex offenders register
• Help participants work out practical strategies to plan for the future, including on-going risk awareness and management
• Support participants through their ongoing recovery from the impact of ‘the knock’

Participants will receive a completion letter at the end of the programme, which confirms their attendance and outlines the content of the programme. 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

How does inform work?

Each programme runs for 5 sessions lasting up to two and a half hours each, with 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 make adjustments to suit a person’s individual needs.

This course is provided free of charge, although we encourage donations from participants to help support the work we do with families. 

Read what happened when Annabel signed up to our Inform programme.

For further more information, including how to sign up and payment options, please contact our anonymous Stop It Now helpline on 0808 1000 900.

What previous participants have said