Bringing international evidence-based early intervention, the new pilot online platform is first of its kind in Hong Kong, provides anonymous, self-guided support for individuals concerned about their sexual thoughts or behaviours toward children.
Today we announce the launch of the pilot phase of Stop It Now HK, a pioneering initiative dedicated to the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation. Developed in partnership with the UK-based Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF), the new platform brings confidential, evidence-based early intervention strategies directly to the local community.
TALK Hong Kong joins the UK, USA, Australia and others across the globe in hosting Stop it Now which was founded in 1992.
Addressing Unreported Abuse and Critical Service Gaps
The launch of Stop It Now HK addresses two urgent and interconnected challenges in Hong Kong’s child protection framework. TALK Hong Kong’s research indicates that an estimated 96% of child sexual abuse cases remain completely unreported, leaving the vast majority of harm hidden from authorities and traditional support channels. Even when cases reach law enforcement, courts almost never impose maximum sentences. At the same time, specialised clinical services, dedicated helplines, or prevention resources for individuals concerned about their sexual thoughts or behaviours toward children are virtually non-existent in Hong Kong.
Moving Beyond Incarceration Toward Preventive Support
To fill these critical gaps, TALK HK has adapted LFF’s clinically informed, evidence-based 30-module interactive online self-help programme. There is often a significant time gap between when an individual first realises they have problematic sexual thoughts, feelings, or online behaviours regarding children and when harm actually occurs. By providing resources during that critical window, the platform helps individuals manage their behaviour and stop harm before it ever takes place.
TALK HK believes in empowering adults to hold themselves accountable. The platform serves as a safe, anonymous, self-guided educational resource where individuals can evaluate their own behaviour and access evidence-based strategies. To remove barriers to seeking help and overcome public stigma, no registration, identity verification, or personal data tracking is required, ensuring complete user anonymity.
Taura Edgar, Founder and Chair of the Board of TALK Hong Kong stated –
“The reality is that up to 96% of child sexual abuse cases never reach the courts, and we can’t arrest our way out of abuse anyway. Relying on incarceration leaves a massive gap in public safety. Both adults and youth struggling with harmful thoughts or behaviours can benefit from specialised support and early intervention channels which we currently just don’t have. ‘Stop It Now HK’ offers a confidential space to break the cycle of sexual abuse before a child suffers.”
Vicky Young, Head of Stop It Now at UK-based charity Lucy Faithfull Foundation says:
“Our Get Help programme is the first of its kind in the world, offering online self-help to people concerned about their own sexual behaviour towards children. Get Help has more than half a million users per year globally; now, we’re delighted to be sharing the learning with TALK Hong Kong, who are bringing this pioneering programme to a Hong Kong audience.
We want people in Hong Kong, the UK, and across the world to know that there is anonymous and confidential support to change their behaviour and prevent harm to children, based on our more than 30 years of clinical expertise in working with people who pose a sexual risk to children. International partnerships like these mean we can reach more people, in more places, with the support they need to find a pathway out of harmful behaviour towards children. We share our resources because we want to support a growing movement of prevention initiatives worldwide which help keep children safe.”