Published research

Home Research Published research

We invest in studies, collaborate with academic institutions, and support innovation in prevention and intervention methods. Our dedication to research ensures that we remain at the forefront of the fight against child sexual abuse, continually improving our practices and expanding our knowledge.

Accessing child sexual abuse material: Pathways to offending and online behaviour

This study used a survey methodology to explore pathways to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) offending, patterns of offending, and situational factors facilitating or hindering offending behaviour.

The survey was distributed to 75 male individuals who had completed the Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s Inform Plus psychoeducational programme, on account of their past use of CSAM. Findings will help inform efforts to prevent and disrupt CSAM offending behaviour, as well as divert offending individuals on an offence-free trajectory.

You can find the link to the peer-reviewed article here.

We also interviewed a subsample of participants surveyed, for a more in-depth overview of pathways to CSAM offending and factors that could have facilitated prevention or desistance. You can find the peer-reviewed article that presents findings from the complementary qualitative study here.

You can find out more about how we support individuals investigated for CSAM offending through our Inform Plus programme by following this link.

Understanding and Deterring Online Child Grooming: A Qualitative Study

By analysing these trends, we can better understand the evolving nature of abuse, including emerging threats and high-risk groups.

This qualitative study explored motivations and pathways to online grooming behaviour, patterns of offending, and opinions on how online grooming could be prevented. A total of 14 male individuals, investigated for online sexual communications with or about a minor, were interviewed to this end. Participants were recruited through the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, among clients receiving support through our confidential Stop It Now UK and Ireland helpline and our assessment and intervention services. Findings will help inform strategies for improved prevention and intervention for online grooming.

You can find the link to the peer-reviewed article here.

You can find out more about the services we deliver to people concerned about their online behaviour around children or who are investigated about child sexual abuse offences via our Stop It Now helpline, assessment and interventions, and psychoeducational programmes website pages.

Want to know more?

Are you curious about our latest research initiatives or interested in exploring collaborative opportunities?

We’d love to connect with you. We’re always eager to engage with passionate individuals, organizations, and researchers to advance our shared goals. Whether you have questions, ideas, or are seeking a deeper understanding of our work, please reach out.

Connect with us

Our Stop It Now helpline, self help and programmes are there to help anyone concerned about child sexual abuse. Shore is for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour.

Our helpline 0808 1000 900

2 Birch House, Harris Business Park, Hanbury Road
Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4DJ

Lucy Faithfull Foundation is a Registered Charity No. 1013025, and is a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England No. 2729957.

We want to hear from you

As you may have noticed, our website looks a little different now. We’ve restructured and redesigned the site to be more accessible to you, so we’d love to know what you think. All feedback will remain anonymous; we do not collect any personal identifying information.