Why this blog exists
Empowerment Pathways works with people who have been arrested for, or are at risk of, online sexual offences against children. This blog collects factual, checked information for the people who refer to us, the families affected, and anyone worried about their own thoughts or behaviour. Child protection comes first.
Why we are writing it
Online child sexual abuse is a child protection issue, and the figures are large. The Internet Watch Foundation assessed 451,210 reports in 2025, and 311,610 were confirmed as containing or leading to child sexual abuse material. The NSPCC reports that police in England and Wales recorded 38,685 child sexual abuse image offences in 2023/24, more than 100 a day.
The National Crime Agency estimates that between 680,000 and 830,000 UK adults pose some degree of sexual risk to children. That figure covers people at very different levels of risk, and the NCA is clear about its limits. It is a snapshot, it leans towards online offending, and estimates from different years cannot be compared. We will only describe a trend where official sources allow it.
Behind every image is a child who was harmed. Victims and survivors are at the centre of this work.
What we will cover in future posts
- What happens after an arrest, in plain terms.
- What referrers need to know before they refer someone.
- How families and partners can find support.
- Research and guidance on prevention and therapy.
- Changes to sentencing, law and policy that matter to our readers.
Every post is checked against official sources, with the links shown. We do not give legal advice. If you are facing investigation or charge, please speak to your solicitor.
If you are worried about your own thoughts or behaviour
Getting help early protects children. Please get in touch. WhatsApp or call 07465 226668, use our contact form, or email info@empowermentpathways.net. We aim to reply within one working day.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Sources: Internet Watch Foundation Annual Report 2025; NSPCC, citing Home Office data for 2023/24; National Crime Agency, CSA scale methodology 2023.
