An adult’s thoughts or behaviours

You are not alone.

We support anyone who is worried about another adult’s thoughts or behaviour towards children. 

You might be concerned about how a friend or family member behaves around children. Someone you know may have told you about their behaviour, or they may have been investigated or arrested for a child sexual abuse offence. Situations like this can bring up difficult questions and emotions but you do not have to deal with this alone. You can reach out to our anonymous helpline for support, advice and information. We are here to listen without judgement and support you with your options. 

Contact our Stop It Now! Australia helpline at 1800 01 1800. 

Are you worried about the way someone else behaves around children?

Something about how a friend or family member interacts with children might not sit quite right with you. You might have seen or heard things that didn’t feel appropriate, including touch that seemed to cross a boundary. Sometimes the warning signs that someone may pose a risk to children are subtle. For example, someone might: 

• Pay particular attention to a specific child 
• Buy gifts or give special treatment 
• Look for opportunities to spend time alone with a child 
• Cross physical or personal boundaries 

These are just a few examples. For a more complete list and to learn more about grooming behaviours visit the National Office for Child Safety website: Grooming | National Office for Child Safety  

If something makes you feel uncomfortable, it is important to trust your gut and seek advice. 

It may be someone you would never expect, yet people who pose a risk to children are often known to the child and trusted by others around them. 

No matter how big or small your concern feels, we are here to offer anonymous support and provide advice.   

We believe all adults have a role in protecting children from harm. If you are worried about someone in your life, reaching out for advice can help prevent harm and support safer outcomes for everyone involved.  

Call the Stop It Now! Australia helpline on 1800 01 1800.  

Has someone you know engaged in illegal behaviour involving children?

You may be here because someone has told you they have engaged in illegal behaviour with children, or because someone close to you  has been arrested or investigated for a child sexual abuse offence, including online offences. 

If you have just found out that someone you know has engaged in child sexual abuse, including accessing sexual images of children online, we understand that this can come as a big shock. You may feel a mix of emotions, including hurt and confusion. We want to reassure you that many people in this situation experience strong and sometimes conflicting emotions. We are here to support you through this difficult time.  

Reach out via the free, anonymous Stop It Now! Australia helpline on 1800 01 1800 for advice, support and information. 

Are you worried about the way someone else is behaving on the internet?

You might have noticed changes in someone’s internet use or behaviour, such as: 

• Being secretive about devices or online activity 
• Searching for sexual content involving children (under 18 years old)  
• Messaging or chatting with children (under 18 years old) 
• Spending long periods online late at night 

You do not have to manage this alone.  

If you are worried that someone you know may be engaging in illegal online behaviours, we are here to help. You can access anonymous and non-judgemental support and advice to explore what you have noticed and consider helpful next steps.  

Even if it feels hard to believe, people who pose a risk to children are often people we would not expect. 

We are here to offer anonymous support and advice – no matter how big or small your concern is.  

Trust your gut and reach out – you do not have to have the answers or figure this out alone. 

Call the Stop It Now! Australia helpline on 1800 01 1800. 

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