South West Sees Rise in People Seeking Help Over Online Child Abuse Concerns

Thousands Seek Help as Online Child Abuse Concerns Rise

More than 23,000 people across the South West sought support in 2025 over concerns about online child sexual abuse, as agencies across the region work alongside a national charity to deter harmful behaviour and prevent abuse before it happens.

Throughout February 2026, 31 agencies across the South West are campaigning with the UK wide child protection charity Lucy Faithfull Foundation to raise awareness of online child sexual abuse and promote confidential, anonymous support through the Stop It Now service.

Support figures rise across the South West

In 2025, a total of 23,585 people in the South West contacted the Stop It Now helpline or used its online self help services. This represents a 30 percent increase compared with 2024.

The figures include:

• Devon: 7,956

• Cornwall, including the Isles of Scilly: 1,217

• Bristol: 3,516

• Gloucestershire: 2,498

• Wiltshire: 3,050

• Dorset: 2,443

• Somerset and Avon: 2,905

Across the wider UK, 332,458 people sought support from Stop It Now in 2025, up from 275,603 in 2024.

Agencies working together

The campaign brings together NHS bodies, local authorities, police forces and safeguarding partnerships across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset and Avon.

Their shared aim is to highlight the scale and nature of online child sexual abuse, including the viewing of sexual images of under 18s and online sexual grooming, and to ensure people know where to turn for help to stop harmful behaviour.

The campaign activity includes short films shared on social media, webinars and guidance for professionals, communications materials for healthcare settings such as posters and waiting room screens, and increased digital advertising across the region.

What the charity and partners say

Tom Squire, Head of Clinical Engagement at Lucy Faithfull Foundation, said the charity is working with agencies such as the police and NHS because preventing child sexual abuse is a shared responsibility.

He said the campaign is shining a light on harmful online behaviour that often happens behind closed doors and may not be known to friends or family. Tom added that while this behaviour is illegal and causes devastating harm to children, there is confidential and anonymous support available to help people change their behaviour.

Dr Rosie Luce, Assistant Director of Nursing for Safeguarding at South West NHS England and NHS Improvement, said the NHS is committed to preventing child sexual abuse as well as responding to the harm it causes.

She said working with charities like Lucy Faithfull Foundation helps ensure people know what support is available and how to access it before further harm is caused.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sheon Sturland, who leads safeguarding work for Devon & Cornwall Police, said the force supports the Stop It Now campaign because of its focus on prevention and its ability to reach the right people.

He said viewing, downloading or sharing sexual images of children, including AI generated images, is illegal and causes real harm. He also warned of the serious consequences for those who are caught, including imprisonment, being placed on the sex offenders register, family breakdown and loss of employment.

Chief Superintendent Liz Hughes from Avon and Somerset Police said protecting children and vulnerable people is a responsibility shared by everyone, and that coordinated action between police, charities, public services and families is key to preventing harm.

Where to get help

Anyone in the South West who is concerned about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour towards children is encouraged to seek confidential help through Stop It Now.

Support is available via the anonymous helpline on 0808 1000 900 or through the website at www.stopitnow.org.uk.

Lucy Faithfull Foundation has also said continued support is needed to keep the helpline running. Anyone wishing to support the service financially can do so via this donation page.