I've Just Been Arrested for an Online Sexual Offence:
What Should I Do Now?
If you've just been arrested
The first few days after an arrest for an online sexual offence can be frightening and confusing. You may be experiencing intense anxiety, shame, fear about the future and uncertainty about what will happen next.
You do not need to solve everything immediately. For now, focus on staying safe, getting appropriate legal advice, looking after your physical and mental health, and accepting support from people you trust.
Safer Lives provides specialist support to people who have been arrested or are under investigation for a sexual offence in the UK. Our practitioners are former Probation Officers with experience of working with people involved in the criminal justice system. If you would like to discuss your situation and find out whether our support is appropriate for you, call 0800 043 5987 or book an initial consultation by clicking here.
I'm under investigation for a sexual offence.
Who can I talk to? Who should I contact for support?
People who care about you
You may feel tempted to withdraw from other people, but this is often the opposite of what you need.
If family members, friends or loved ones are offering support, allow them to help. Their concern is likely to come from a place of care. They may be able to help with practical tasks, check in with you, or simply spend time with you while you are dealing with the uncertainty.
You do not have to tell everyone what has happened. You can simply tell someone you trust that you are going through an extremely difficult period and could use some support.
Professional organisations
If you feel isolated, or do not have people around you who can provide support, consider seeking professional help.
Safer Lives provides specialist support for people dealing with the impact of an arrest or investigation for a sexual offence. Our practitioners are specialist former Probation Officers with vast experience of working with people who have been arrested for sexual offences. If you would like to discuss whether our support is right for you, contact Safer Lives by calling 0800 043 5987 or book a consultation online here.
Organisations such as Stop It Now, StopSo, The Lucy Faithfull Foundation and the Samaritans also provide confidential support.
The fear, anxiety and shame that can follow an arrest can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to cope with them alone.
Your GP
Speaking to your GP can be an important step, particularly if you are experiencing significant distress.
You can tell the surgery that you have recently been arrested and are struggling with your mental health. You do not necessarily need to provide details of the allegation unless you feel comfortable doing so. What matters is that your doctor understands how you are feeling and the impact the situation is having on you.
After an arrest, some people find it difficult to eat, sleep, concentrate or carry out their normal daily activities. Others experience persistent anxiety, panic or feelings of hopelessness. Early support can help prevent these difficulties from becoming more severe and may give you access to appropriate treatment or other services.
Do not underestimate the effect that severe stress and shock can have on your physical health as well as your mental wellbeing.
If you feel that you may be at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, seek urgent help. Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.
Criminal Defence Solicitors
We never advise clients to represent themselves. For legal advice and representation you should contact a criminal defence solicitor. If a Duty Solicitor supported you at the police station, please remember that this a free legal aid service. They will represent you in police interviews but the reality is that they are unlikely to be as responsive or proactive in your case as a specialist private solicitor.
If you prefer a more personalised service and can afford to pay privately, you can choose the services of a specialist sexual offences solicitor to act proactively on your case and provide support, legal guidance and pre-charge representation throughout the investigation period. Research specialist solicitors and contact them to find out whether their approach suits you and you can afford their fees. The cost of a specialist solicitor can vary significantly. Always be clear what their fees cover and don’t cover, and don’t place yourself under significant financial stress.
A professional private solicitor should treat you respectfully and without judgement, and will not want you to over-commit your finances to their services. If you feel judged or poorly treated, then you should consider a different option.
If you would like to speak to one of our experienced practitioners to see if our services could help you, call Safer Lives on 0800 043 5987 or click here to book a consultation.
The police have taken my devices and are investigating me for a sexual offence. What should I do?
Take one hour at a time
In the immediate aftermath of an arrest, it is common to think constantly about what might happen in the future.
You may find yourself imagining the worst possible outcome, repeatedly searching for answers, or trying to solve problems that have not happened yet.
Try to keep things simple. Your goal during the first few days is not to solve every future problem. It is to get through the next hour, then the next day.
The first 24 to 48 hours can be particularly difficult. Some people remain in a state of shock immediately after leaving custody, while others find that their emotions become more intense as the initial shock begins to wear off.
Try to focus on basic routines:
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Eat regularly, even if your appetite is poor;
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Drink enough water;
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Try to maintain a normal sleep routine;
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Get some fresh air or take a short walk;
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Avoid isolating yourself completely;
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Stay in contact with people you trust.
You do not have to feel better immediately. Give yourself time to adjust to what has happened.
If you need help to stabilise yourself in the early days of your investigation you can contact Safer Lives on 0800 043 5987 or click here to book a consultation.
The police have released me on bail for a sexual offence. What do I do now?
Understand and follow any bail conditions
If you have been released on bail, make sure you understand the conditions attached to your release.
Read the paperwork carefully and speak to your solicitor if there is anything you do not understand.
This is particularly important where conditions restrict who you can contact, where you can go, what devices or accounts you can use, or other aspects of your behaviour.
Do not rely on assumptions about what a condition means. If you are unsure, obtain appropriate legal advice.
Following your bail conditions is essential. Understanding exactly what is expected of you can help you avoid unintentionally breaching them while the investigation continues.
Safer Lives cannot provide legal advice about your particular case. However, we can help guide you through the justice system and understand the investigation and prosecution process. To speak to us or book a consultation, please call 0800 043 5987 or click here to book a consultation.
How can Safer Lives help me after my arrest for a sexual offence?
Safer Lives provides specialist support to people who are dealing with the consequences of an arrest or investigation relating to a sexual offence.
Our practitioners are experienced former Probation Officers who understand the criminal justice system and the challenges people can face following an arrest.
An initial consultation gives you an opportunity to talk privately with an experienced practitioner about what has happened and how you are coping.
We can help you:
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Understand what support may be available to you;
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Think about how to manage anxiety and uncertainty;
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Consider the challenges you may face during an investigation;
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Identify practical steps that can support positive change;
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Discuss whether further Safer Lives support would be appropriate.
Our initial consultations last one hour and cost £80. We can usually offer an appointment within seven days.
If you have already been charged and have a court date, we offer a separate post-charge consultation.
Call 0800 043 5987 to contact Safer Lives or click here to book an initial consultation.
My family need support after my arrest for a sexual offence. How can they access support?
If you are under investigation for a sexual offence you may have family members who are struggling and are unsure where to find help and support. Organisations such as Talking Forward, Acts Fast and Families Matter (by Hope After Harm), may be able to help.
Safer Lives also offers partner and family consultations for people aged over 18. These one-hour appointments give partners and family members time to speak with a compassionate and experienced Safer Lives practitioner about their emotions and fears, and what the investigation means for them and their wider family. For more information, please call Safer Lives on 0800 043 5987 or click here.