The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the child protection charity, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, have launched a new initiative designed to prevent online sexual offending against children by offering a confidential and anonymous support system for those engaging in or at risk of illegal digital activities.

The campaign, titled 'Stop It Now', specifically targets the viewing of sexual images of individuals under 18 and engaging in sexual conversations with children under 16, both of which are criminal offences. By directing individuals to the Stop It Now helpline (0808 1000 900) and its online resources, the partnership seeks to stop harmful behaviour before it escalates.

The initiative highlights four core messages: that these actions are illegal, they inflict deep harm on victims, the consequences of being caught are severe, and anonymous help is available to find a way out of such behaviour.

Statistical data reveals a growing concern regarding online child sexual abuse in the region. In 2024, there were 2,187 recorded sexual offences against children in Northern Ireland. This included 187 cases of grooming and sexual communication, alongside 799 offences involving the possession, taking, or sharing of indecent images of children.

Police enforcement has remained active, with 228 searches conducted and 76 arrests made in 2024 based on intelligence related to these crimes. Detective Chief Inspector Claire McDonald commented: "The advancement in technology, accessibility to indecent images of children and the presumption of anonymity whilst offending online has seen an increase in the number of people viewing and sharing indecent images of children and seeking to use the internet to engage with children for sexual purposes. This type of offending is unacceptable."

DCI McDonald further warned that police are operating covertly across all digital platforms, including the dark web: "We are operating covertly in all digital spaces including the dark web to track and target offenders. There is no place to hide. If you are perpetrating online child abuse, it is only a matter of time before we will be knocking on your door."

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation provides a non-judgemental environment for those seeking to change their habits. In 2025 alone, 83 people from Northern Ireland contacted the foundation via phone or digital chat, while over 6,500 people accessed their website for information.

Tom Squire, Head of Clinical Engagement at the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, stated: "Our partnership with PSNI on this campaign is instrumental to deter people from online sexual offending against children. Thousands of people every year seek support from Stop It Now concerned about their online behaviour or sexual thoughts towards children. They come from all walks of life."

The campaign will use social and traditional media to raise awareness of the harm caused to children and the personal consequences for offenders, which include imprisonment and being placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

The PSNI also reminded the public that they are the only lawful authority to investigate such matters. DCI McDonald added:

"The safety of victims and innocent family members should be at the forefront, as well as gathering the best possible evidence to put predators before the courts."

Anyone concerned about their own online habits or those of someone else can access help via www.stopitnow.org.uk or the confidential helpline.