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  3. Ascend

Ascend

What is ASCEND?

ASCEND is support for parents and carers when the police have discovered sexual images involving a child or young person online. It explains what may happen next, how to support your child, and where to get help - step by step. You are not alone, and this is not your fault.

A Message from Rhiannon

If police have come to your home, you may feel shocked and unsure what to do next. Rhiannon shares a personal message: your child is not to blame, and you don’t need all the details straight away. This video offers steady, practical guidance and points you to support.

We Understand

You may be finding this a distressing time for you and your family. Many parents and children blame themselves and replay “if only I had…” thoughts. What matters is this: someone targeted your child and betrayed their trust or coerced them. The blame sits with the perpetrator, not you or your child.

The following information has been developed with specialists, people with lived experience, and therapists. It reflects questions families commonly ask and aims to help you feel more confident about what to do next.  We will cover:

First 24 hours
First things first

A short guide for the hours after the police visit - reassuring your child, reducing panic, and focusing on what needs to happen today without blame or rushed decisions.

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How could this have happened?

An explanation of common ways children are targeted online, including grooming and coercion, and why many children don’t tell anyone straight away.

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What happens now?

The police process: What to expect from the investigation - why devices may be taken, typical timeframes, how statements work, and the stages that may follow.

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How to help your child

Practical ways to support your child day-to-day: showing belief and reassurance, keeping routines, and avoiding actions that can feel like punishment for something that isn’t their fault.

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Talking with your child

The CARES approach: A simple approach for supportive conversations - how to listen calmly, ask open questions, reassure without minimising, and get extra help when needed.

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Where are the images now?

...and what can be done?  What may happen to images once shared online, and what systems exist to help identify, block, and remove them - including steps like hashing and Report Remove.

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If this triggers your own experiences

Support if this situation brings up difficult memories or feelings for you, including where to seek confidential help and how to access additional support.

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If you’re unhappy with a professional response

How to raise concerns if something doesn’t feel right - what to record, who to contact first, and the formal complaints routes available.

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Additional Support
Getting Additional Support

Where to turn for extra help for your child and for you. Includes routes through school safeguarding and pastoral teams, your GP, Children’s Social Care where relevant, and victim support services.

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Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions from parents and carers - what to do first, what to expect next, how to support your child, and what steps can help with images online.

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For Your Child

Your child will have been given their own resource which includes a letter from someone who has personal experience of having their image shared. This is to show them that they too are not alone and how they are feeling now will not always be the case. It is a message of hope.  The resource also includes some techniques they can use to help them manage a range of negative emotions they may be feeling and a QR code where they can visit for more information.  

Feedback

Do you have a few minutes to spare to fill out a feedback form about the Ascend rescource? Your feedback will help us to improve outcomes for other children and their families. 

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