Police Report Record Monthly Arrests as Demand for Child Abuse Prevention Services Surges

Overview

• Police in England and Wales now arrest about 1,000 suspected child sexual offenders each month and safeguard more than 1,200 children, according to national lead ACC Becky Riggs.
• The Lucy Faithfull Foundation reports 330,610 people accessed its services in 2025, an increase of roughly 20% from 275,648 in 2024.
• Use of the Stop It Now service in London reached 81,449 in 2025, accounting for about a quarter of UK users.
• Of 3,427 people who contacted the helpline last year, 21% were under 25, 34% were married or in a relationship, and 26% were parents, challenging common stereotypes.
• Police and LFF leaders say enforcement cannot keep pace with online harms and call for a whole-system response that includes confidential support through services like Stop It Now.