Monthly arrests of individuals suspected of child sexual abuse have reached record levels in England and Wales, according to police figures.
Statistics indicate roughly 1,000 arrests take place every month.
Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs, who serves as the national police lead for child protection and abuse investigation, said authorities also safeguard more than 1,200 children each month from neglect and exploitation.
Her remarks came as the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which runs the Stop It Now helpline aimed at preventing people from accessing child sexual abuse material online, revealed that 330,610 people used its services during 2025, compared with 275,648 the previous year, representing an increase of approximately 20 percent.
According to Ms Riggs, police forces across the UK are currently detaining around 1,000 individuals each month on suspicion of child sexual abuse, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of more than 1,200 children, highlighting the scale of the problem encountered.
She added that enforcement alone cannot compete with the speed at which people can be drawn into harmful online activities, and a whole-system approach is required, including providing safe, confidential ways for people to seek help before crossing ethical lines.
Preventative initiatives such as Stop It Now play a vital role by helping individuals identify concerning patterns in their behaviour early, stopping escalation, and ultimately reducing the number of children subjected to abuse.
Anyone worried about their own behaviour or that of someone they know is urged to seek support without delay, as prompt assistance protects children and prevents lasting damage to lives.
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation runs a confidential phone service for people concerned about their own online sexual behaviour towards children.
The organisation also offers support to those worried about a family member or friend.
Dr Alexandra Bailey, head of psychology at the foundation, said people who view child sexual abuse imagery may be young, in stable relationships, or have children themselves.
During the past year, of 3,427 people who contacted the helpline, 21 percent were aged under 25, more than one-third, at 34 percent, were married or in partnerships, and a quarter, representing 26 percent, reported having children of their own.
Dr Bailey said the helpline frequently hears from people frightened by where their online activities are heading but unsure whether they meet the threshold for needing support.
That hesitation can allow problems to develop when early, confidential help could have made a difference.
To combat online child sexual abuse, people must understand that behaviour can escalate to causing harm, while also recognising that change is possible.
Accessing help at an early stage does not excuse harmful behaviour but prevents abuse from happening to a child.
The Stop It Now helpline is available on 0808 1000 900 or via the website.