Clear information. Calm guidance. Responsible routes to support.
Forensic topics are often discussed through fear, stigma or sensational headlines. This page offers careful, evidence-informed information for people concerned about sexual behaviour, offending, investigation or the impact on a family.
A calm place to begin
You may be looking for information because of something you have noticed in yourself, because someone close to you has been arrested or investigated, or because you have been affected by sexual harm or relationship violence.
This website can help you understand difficult subjects and identify appropriate next steps. It does not diagnose individuals, assess personal risk, receive disclosures or replace professional, legal or emergency advice.
Which situation best describes your concern?
You are concerned about your own thoughts or behaviour
Seeking help early can support safer choices and reduce risk. An appropriately qualified professional can assess your individual circumstances confidentially and explain the limits of confidentiality. If your concern relates to possible child sexual abuse, Stop It Now! UK & Ireland offers a confidential specialist helpline.
Someone close to you has been arrested, investigated or disclosed concerning behaviour
Partners and families may experience shock, fear, anger, confusion, financial pressure and uncertainty about safeguarding. These reactions deserve support in their own right. Standing alongside a person does not mean minimising harmful behaviour, and you should not be expected to manage risk alone.
You have been affected by sexual harm or relationship violence
Your safety and support come first. You are not responsible for another person’s harmful behaviour, treatment or rehabilitation. A specialist sexual-violence, domestic-abuse, safeguarding or emergency service may be more appropriate than the educational resources on this website.
If anyone may be in immediate danger
Call 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger. For a non-emergency police matter, call 101 or report it online. Do not use this website’s contact route for an emergency, a crime report or confidential case information.
Find the right support
These independent UK services provide specialist support. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement of this website, and service availability can change.
Stop It Now! UK & Ireland
Confidential specialist support for people concerned about child sexual abuse, including their own or another person’s thoughts or behaviour, and for families and professionals.
NHS sexual assault referral centres
SARCs offer free specialist medical, practical and emotional support after rape or sexual assault. You can contact a SARC directly without first reporting to the police.
Rape Crisis England & Wales
Free, confidential emotional support for anyone aged 16 or over who has experienced sexual violence, abuse or harassment.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free, confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse, including help to understand options and make safer decisions.
Concern about a child
If you think a child may be at risk, contact the police or the child’s local authority children’s social care service. The NSPCC can also advise adults who are worried about a child.
Police: emergency and non-emergency
Use 999 where there is immediate danger or a crime in progress. For non-emergency contact, use 101 or your police force’s online reporting route.
Understanding difficult subjects
Our resources explain online and technology-facilitated offending, “the knock”, shame and accountability, treatment and desistance, family impacts, domestic abuse, public protection and the distinction between compulsive sexual behaviour and sexual offending. The aim is informed understanding without sensationalising harm or excusing it.
Independent adult clinical support
Forensic Sexology is an educational knowledge platform rather than a therapy service. Adults seeking independent clinical support may explore Simon Wilson Therapy. Availability and suitability are assessed individually; this is not an emergency, reporting or legal-expert service.
Continue exploring
Build your understanding through carefully organised themes, research and public resources.
Information notice: This page provides general educational information only. It is not a substitute for individual clinical assessment, legal advice, safeguarding action or emergency support.
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