@circlesuk.bsky.social
In the first UK case of its kind, the parents of a 16-year-old who took his own life after he fell victim to a sextortion gang are suing Meta for the alleged wrongful death of their son. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Parents of sextortion victim sue Meta for alleged wrongful death
Exclusive: Lawsuit is the first UK case of its kind, with Ros and Mark Dowey accusing Meta of ‘putting profit before our young people’
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:46 AM
In the first UK case of its kind, the parents of a 16-year-old who took his own life after he fell victim to a sextortion gang are suing Meta for the alleged wrongful death of their son. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
A welcome focus on what survivors of child sexual abuse need, with a mention of the success of Circles in Canada. thefulcrum.us/democracy/re...
What Do Epstein’s Victims Need?
Jeffrey Epstein is all over the news, along with anyone who may have known about, enabled, or participated in his systematic child sexual abuse. Yet there is significantly less information and coverag...
thefulcrum.us
December 15, 2025 at 10:51 AM
A welcome focus on what survivors of child sexual abuse need, with a mention of the success of Circles in Canada. thefulcrum.us/democracy/re...
At Circles UK's AGM, our Keynote Speaker Adam Groves, highlighted the extent of the deepfake crisis in South Korean schools. This article shows it's just as widespread in the UK.
The rise of deepfake pornography in schools: ‘One girl was so horrified she vomited’ www.theguardian.com/society/ng-i...
The rise of deepfake pornography in schools: ‘One girl was so horrified she vomited’ www.theguardian.com/society/ng-i...
The rise of deepfake pornography in schools: ‘One girl was so horrified she vomited’
The use of ‘nudify’ apps is becoming more and more prevalent, with hundreds of teachers having seen images created by pupils, often of their peers. The fallout is huge – and growing fast
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:09 AM
At Circles UK's AGM, our Keynote Speaker Adam Groves, highlighted the extent of the deepfake crisis in South Korean schools. This article shows it's just as widespread in the UK.
The rise of deepfake pornography in schools: ‘One girl was so horrified she vomited’ www.theguardian.com/society/ng-i...
The rise of deepfake pornography in schools: ‘One girl was so horrified she vomited’ www.theguardian.com/society/ng-i...
Welcoming announcements of change to how rape trial victims are dealt with. Justice Sec. D. Lammy said too many rape victims left the criminal justice system feeling they'd been on trial, with sensitive details of past relationships + abuse used to discredit them
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Rape victims in England and Wales to be protected from ‘serial liar’ trope in legal shake-up
Exclusive: New laws will also curb questioning and aim to stop complainants being discredited over previous reports
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Welcoming announcements of change to how rape trial victims are dealt with. Justice Sec. D. Lammy said too many rape victims left the criminal justice system feeling they'd been on trial, with sensitive details of past relationships + abuse used to discredit them
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
The Home Secretary laid The Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 First Report before Parliament, addressing the extent existing measures prevent sexually motivated crimes against women in public. Report makes 13 recommendations: www.angiolini.independent-inquiry.uk/reports-2/
Press statement: shorturl.at/foTj2
Press statement: shorturl.at/foTj2
Reports – The Angiolini Inquiry
www.angiolini.independent-inquiry.uk
December 3, 2025 at 12:14 PM
The Home Secretary laid The Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 First Report before Parliament, addressing the extent existing measures prevent sexually motivated crimes against women in public. Report makes 13 recommendations: www.angiolini.independent-inquiry.uk/reports-2/
Press statement: shorturl.at/foTj2
Press statement: shorturl.at/foTj2
We are grateful to everyone who attended Circles UK’s AGM and Keynote Address yesterday, and to our Keynote Speaker Adam Groves of @nominet.uk for his excellent and informative presentation, 'The Anatomy of the Korean Deepfake Crisis and its implications for the UK’.
November 28, 2025 at 12:04 PM
We are grateful to everyone who attended Circles UK’s AGM and Keynote Address yesterday, and to our Keynote Speaker Adam Groves of @nominet.uk for his excellent and informative presentation, 'The Anatomy of the Korean Deepfake Crisis and its implications for the UK’.
Delighted to welcome six new Circles Coordinators from
@adferiad.org and Circles South East to their two-day Induction Training in Reading, over the last couple of days.
@adferiad.org and Circles South East to their two-day Induction Training in Reading, over the last couple of days.
November 26, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Delighted to welcome six new Circles Coordinators from
@adferiad.org and Circles South East to their two-day Induction Training in Reading, over the last couple of days.
@adferiad.org and Circles South East to their two-day Induction Training in Reading, over the last couple of days.
Research shows child sexual abuse + children’s exposure to adult domestic violence often co-occur. The extent of this co-occurrence remains poorly understood.
Article presents findings from a scoping review of articles reporting prevalence data for co-occurring. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Article presents findings from a scoping review of articles reporting prevalence data for co-occurring. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Research shows child sexual abuse + children’s exposure to adult domestic violence often co-occur. The extent of this co-occurrence remains poorly understood.
Article presents findings from a scoping review of articles reporting prevalence data for co-occurring. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Article presents findings from a scoping review of articles reporting prevalence data for co-occurring. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
We are so very sorry to hear the news about Baroness Newlove. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues. victimscommissioner.org.uk/news/stateme...
Statement from the Office of the Victims' Commissioner - Victims Commissioner
Statement from the Office of the Victims’ Commissioner: “We are deeply saddened to share that Baroness Helen Newlove, the Victims’
victimscommissioner.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 11:53 AM
We are so very sorry to hear the news about Baroness Newlove. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues. victimscommissioner.org.uk/news/stateme...
@childlightgcsi.bsky.social's 'Into the Light Index'.
"Every day all over the world children are forced to live in the darkness of sexual exploitation and abuse. This is a hidden pandemic. The Into the Light Index highlights the global prevalence of this problem".
www.childlight.org/into-the-light
"Every day all over the world children are forced to live in the darkness of sexual exploitation and abuse. This is a hidden pandemic. The Into the Light Index highlights the global prevalence of this problem".
www.childlight.org/into-the-light
Childlight - Childlight
www.childlight.org
November 11, 2025 at 10:34 AM
@childlightgcsi.bsky.social's 'Into the Light Index'.
"Every day all over the world children are forced to live in the darkness of sexual exploitation and abuse. This is a hidden pandemic. The Into the Light Index highlights the global prevalence of this problem".
www.childlight.org/into-the-light
"Every day all over the world children are forced to live in the darkness of sexual exploitation and abuse. This is a hidden pandemic. The Into the Light Index highlights the global prevalence of this problem".
www.childlight.org/into-the-light
Celebrating Trustees' Week we express our gratitude to our Chair, Nigel Barnes, and each of our wonderful Trustees who generously gives their time, shares expertise and guides us with integrity and care. Their leadership helps us grow stronger, reach further, staying true to our values
#trusteesweek
#trusteesweek
November 4, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Celebrating Trustees' Week we express our gratitude to our Chair, Nigel Barnes, and each of our wonderful Trustees who generously gives their time, shares expertise and guides us with integrity and care. Their leadership helps us grow stronger, reach further, staying true to our values
#trusteesweek
#trusteesweek
This report is part of a partnership between @unicef.org @ox.ac.uk in collaboration with University of Cape Town + Parenting for Lifelong Health, with a shared goal: develop + integrate content on online sexual violence prevention into digital + blended parenting progs
www.unicef.org/documents/pa...
www.unicef.org/documents/pa...
Parenting for the Digital Age
UNICEF is working towards the goal that every child is protected from all forms of violence and exploitation, including those associated with digital technologies. The report is part of a programmatic...
www.unicef.org
November 3, 2025 at 11:17 AM
This report is part of a partnership between @unicef.org @ox.ac.uk in collaboration with University of Cape Town + Parenting for Lifelong Health, with a shared goal: develop + integrate content on online sexual violence prevention into digital + blended parenting progs
www.unicef.org/documents/pa...
www.unicef.org/documents/pa...
'A meta-analysis of recidivism rates among individuals who commit CSEM offending' (ScienceDirect) found that those with CSEM offences rarely commit a new contact sexual offence. Those with both CSEM and contact sexual offences reoffend more than those exclusively with CSEM offences shorturl.at/1b0DO
A meta-analysis of recidivism rates among individuals who commit child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) offending
A critical challenge for managing individuals with Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) offenses is addressing their risk of sexual recidivism, e…
shorturl.at
October 16, 2025 at 4:42 PM
'A meta-analysis of recidivism rates among individuals who commit CSEM offending' (ScienceDirect) found that those with CSEM offences rarely commit a new contact sexual offence. Those with both CSEM and contact sexual offences reoffend more than those exclusively with CSEM offences shorturl.at/1b0DO
Sky News Adele Robinson’s excellent piece on teenage boys that target vulnerable children online through ‘com’ groups that operate through open networks, not the dark web. The footage is disturbing and makes the point that children face significant dangers online. news.sky.com/story/sadism...
Sadism, sexual abuse and self-harm: Inside the online gangs where boys compete to be cruel
Police warn of rising harm as groups of boys coerce children into self-harm and sexual exploitation on encrypted platforms.
news.sky.com
September 22, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Sky News Adele Robinson’s excellent piece on teenage boys that target vulnerable children online through ‘com’ groups that operate through open networks, not the dark web. The footage is disturbing and makes the point that children face significant dangers online. news.sky.com/story/sadism...
This article highlights the concerning impact of ‘nudify’ apps, which are contributing to a rise in bullying and sexual abuse both within schools and across wider society. Circles UK supports the Internet Watch Foundation's call to ban these harmful technologies.
www.lbc.co.uk/article/deep...
www.lbc.co.uk/article/deep...
AI deepfakes epidemic in schools with children as young as 10 suspended amid rising online abuse in classrooms | LBC
Three hundred pupils are suspended from school for social media use each week, with children as young as 10 dropping out of education and even “developing PTSD” after their classmates created deepfake...
www.lbc.co.uk
September 11, 2025 at 9:46 AM
This article highlights the concerning impact of ‘nudify’ apps, which are contributing to a rise in bullying and sexual abuse both within schools and across wider society. Circles UK supports the Internet Watch Foundation's call to ban these harmful technologies.
www.lbc.co.uk/article/deep...
www.lbc.co.uk/article/deep...
The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse in Australia has recently published a helpful language guide for when we speak about sexual abuse. The guide can be accessed here: lnkd.in/gUntABZr
Child Sexual Abuse Language Guide - The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse
This guide provides victim and survivor-informed language and definitions that are respectful, inclusive and trauma-informed.
lnkd.in
September 2, 2025 at 9:44 AM
The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse in Australia has recently published a helpful language guide for when we speak about sexual abuse. The guide can be accessed here: lnkd.in/gUntABZr
A new book edited by Craig A. Harper, Rebecca Lievesley, Helen Swaby, Belinda Winder, Nicholas Blagden, Kerensa Hocken + Phil Banyard; contributions from others like Prof Derek Perkins explores the use of the internet and its impacts upon sexual crime and offending link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
Sexual Crime and the Internet
This book offers an original contribution by drawing together literature and research about the impacts of the internet on sexual crime and offending.
link.springer.com
September 1, 2025 at 12:50 PM
A new book edited by Craig A. Harper, Rebecca Lievesley, Helen Swaby, Belinda Winder, Nicholas Blagden, Kerensa Hocken + Phil Banyard; contributions from others like Prof Derek Perkins explores the use of the internet and its impacts upon sexual crime and offending link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
Circles UK welcomes the fact that there is at last a phone to protect children against viewing explicit content. Well done for the partnership between SafeToNet and phone providers for developing this long overdue intervention. For more information: harmblock.com/devices
HMD Fuse
harmblock.com
August 28, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Circles UK welcomes the fact that there is at last a phone to protect children against viewing explicit content. Well done for the partnership between SafeToNet and phone providers for developing this long overdue intervention. For more information: harmblock.com/devices
Circles UK is interested to see the impact of the social media ban for under 16s which comes into effect in December in Australia.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
How will Australia’s under-16s social media ban be enforced, and which platforms will be exempt?
No prescribed avenue for social media companies to check users’ ages, but options include facial estimation technology and matching photos with ID
www.theguardian.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Circles UK is interested to see the impact of the social media ban for under 16s which comes into effect in December in Australia.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
What Parents Think About Their Kids Social Media and Smartphone Usage - Harris Poll
theharrispoll.com/briefs/what-...
theharrispoll.com/briefs/what-...
What Parents Think About Their Kids Social Media and Smartphone Usage - Harris Poll
In September, The Harris Poll completed a research project on Gen Z’s attitudes towards social media and smartphones with renowned social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt and his research team. ...
theharrispoll.com
August 6, 2025 at 10:15 AM
What Parents Think About Their Kids Social Media and Smartphone Usage - Harris Poll
theharrispoll.com/briefs/what-...
theharrispoll.com/briefs/what-...
We were saddened to hear former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Ian Blair has died.
We appreciated his support when he spoke at our conference back in 2011, as well as when he accessed a room at the House of Lords for us in 2013, for the launch of ‘Friends of Circles UK'.
We appreciated his support when he spoke at our conference back in 2011, as well as when he accessed a room at the House of Lords for us in 2013, for the launch of ‘Friends of Circles UK'.
July 14, 2025 at 1:42 PM
We were saddened to hear former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Ian Blair has died.
We appreciated his support when he spoke at our conference back in 2011, as well as when he accessed a room at the House of Lords for us in 2013, for the launch of ‘Friends of Circles UK'.
We appreciated his support when he spoke at our conference back in 2011, as well as when he accessed a room at the House of Lords for us in 2013, for the launch of ‘Friends of Circles UK'.
Protect Children research of Italian-speaking respondents, compared to the global average are more likely to contact a child online after viewing CSAM, incl. livestreamed CSAM + violent content. However respondents attempted to stop searches/access CSAM + motivated to receive help: shorturl.at/nkPIA
publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu
July 10, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Protect Children research of Italian-speaking respondents, compared to the global average are more likely to contact a child online after viewing CSAM, incl. livestreamed CSAM + violent content. However respondents attempted to stop searches/access CSAM + motivated to receive help: shorturl.at/nkPIA
This is a useful guide from the Online Child Exploitation Prevention Initiative for school leaders and teachers on how to deal with Gen AI generated deep fake images.
icactaskforce.org/assets/genai...
icactaskforce.org/assets/genai...
icactaskforce.org
June 25, 2025 at 10:46 AM
This is a useful guide from the Online Child Exploitation Prevention Initiative for school leaders and teachers on how to deal with Gen AI generated deep fake images.
icactaskforce.org/assets/genai...
icactaskforce.org/assets/genai...
This article features the excellent work of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation to combat Child Sexual Abuse and details that 1 in 10 child sexual abusers are women.
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/p...
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/p...
Moment ‘paedophile’ calls child safety hotline as women offenders soar
Standard hears simulated call from ‘disgusted’ 23-year-old on visit to Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s headquarters in south London
www.standard.co.uk
June 23, 2025 at 9:35 AM
This article features the excellent work of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation to combat Child Sexual Abuse and details that 1 in 10 child sexual abusers are women.
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/p...
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/p...
Our Trustee, Simon Bailey appeared in an interview with BBC Breakfast spoke about the Louise Casey Review on grooming gangs and said that a comprehensive whole systems approach is needed to tackle Child Sexual Abuse.
June 19, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Our Trustee, Simon Bailey appeared in an interview with BBC Breakfast spoke about the Louise Casey Review on grooming gangs and said that a comprehensive whole systems approach is needed to tackle Child Sexual Abuse.