Managing anxieties following your arrest or being placed under investigation for online sexual offences.

By Jenny Greensmith, Co-Director

Following arrest for possessing indecent images of children, sexual communication with a child or other online offences, you’re likely to be feeling many emotions, including shame and fear. You're mind is likely racing to many worst case scenarios, and you are probably thinking about the possible outcomes of a court case. We know many people arrested for sexual image and sexual communication offences have not been in trouble with the police before, so the legal system can appear utterly alien and the fear overwhelming. That is why it is helpful to seek legal advice and guidance about how the immediate future may look. Being proactive here may help you start to manage the anxieties you are likely experiencing.

Our experience is that many people quickly turn to the sentencing guidelines, or start searching online for articles about the sentencing of others. If you have already done this, it’s likely you became more anxious due to the way the guidelines are written and the content of those media articles. We suggest you stop searching for this information and speak to a professional about the possible consequences instead.

There are several things you can do, or stop doing, to address some of your anxiety. These include;

• Stop looking at online articles about the outcomes of other cases. Every situation is different and media reports are often misleading and inaccurate.
  

• Call an agency such as Safer Lives or the Stop It Now! Helpline to discuss your situation. Safer Lives and Stop it Now! Are confidential services (ask for information regarding the limitations of their confidentiality). The Samaritans also provide a 24/7 listening helpline.

• Ask your investigating officer for the number of your local NHS-led Liaison and Diversion team (or Google “Liaison and Diversion service” in your area)

• Talk to lawyers who specialise in indecent image or sexual communication offences. They may provide a free consultation and give some factual information. If you did have a legal aid lawyer at your interview, then ask for their advice on how to access support.

• If you are worried about your mental health or having thoughts of suicide, then speak to a GP or your local crisis service. You do not have to explain all teh details of your police investigation, but the doctor will be able to help you better the more open and honest you can be.

  
  

• Avoid alcohol or other substances that will disrupt your sleep or make you feel worse in the morning, creating even greater anxiety. Being under police investigation gives you a good reason to take control of any other behaviours like this that you want to address. Ask your GP for local services if you need help and support with this.

We believe the most important thing is that you don’t try to navigate the early part of the investigation process alone. If you don’t have family or friends that you feel able to talk to then please do contact the services available. This isn’t about taking responsibility away from you or pretending what you have done is ok. It is about getting through the first days and weeks so you can then address your behaviours. The important thing is that you have now stopped your online offending and are no longer part of the cycle of viewing child sexual abuse material. If you would like further help to get through this initial post arrest period contact Safer Lives on 0800 043 5987 or email info@saferlives.com