The ‘StopSO Support for Families Online Forum’ is a safe place for family members of a sexual offender, or for family members of someone who is worried that they may cause sexual harm. Here, you can share experiences and provide support to one another.
The realisation that a close family member may be a sexual offender inevitably brings up a huge range of emotions; including shame, guilt, disbelief, anger and fear. At the same time, the love, respect and affection do not disappear overnight. Trying to reconcile the mix of complicated feelings is emotionally exhausting, at a time when everything that you took for granted has been thrown into turmoil.
Although it is hosted and moderated by StopSO, it is not a professional helpline and does not give advice – rather it offers its users a platform to talk to others in the same situation. It is open to anyone who has a close relationship with a sexual offender, regardless of whether the offence happened years ago or has just become known.
If you wish to be added to the forum, please send an email to [email protected] and include the following information:
- The email address you want added to the forum
- Your relationship to the offender/s
- Very brief details of the offence/s
The forum is open to those aged 18 or over.