Are you having sexual thoughts about children?

We are here to help and talk about it

stepto.support offers you the opportunity to find help without fear of judgment, regardless of your situation.

Don’t struggle alone, get expert support now. 

 

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Your privacy is important.

Some people are understandably concerned about their privacy when first looking for help. This website only captures the bare minimum information so that your identity and data is protected. Read more in our Privacy Policy

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Under 18?

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Do you need help now?

Find emergency resources here

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Looking for help finding the right options for you?

Who is this platform for?

There are many reasons you might find this page helpful…

  • Are you confused about your sexual thoughts?
  • Are you looking for people who understand your situation?
  • Are you questioning your sexual interests?
  • Are you afraid about what might happen if you tell someone about your sexual thoughts about children?
  • Are you concerned about your behavior online?
  • Are you worried about your sexual behavior towards children?
  • Are you looking for information about what support is out there?
  • Are you looking for professional help?
  • …is there something else on your mind?

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Take a step to support

We understand that you might be feeling distressed, alone or confused, or maybe curious… but most importantly, you are not alone.

This platform is a non-judgmental and supportive space where you can discover a wide range of services across Europe that aim to provide support and help or someone to talk to. 
We believe that by connecting you with people who understand your needs, you can find support to navigate any complex emotions and experiences.

Change starts with a single step. Together, let’s move towards a better life for you as an individual and a safer society for everyone.

Take a step

Frequently asked questions

If you have any further questions, please visit the contact us page.
  • Who is this platform for?

    This platform is aimed at individuals concerned about or experiencing distress due to their sexual thoughts or behaviors towards children, those at risk of engaging in sexual violence against children, and those who have already engaged in such behavior. Additionally, the platform caters to a secondary target group that includes professionals who interact with the primary group in their work, as well as friends, family, or colleagues of individuals in the primary group, and people with a general interest in the prevention of child sexual abuse and child sexual abuse material.

  • How can this platform help me?

    This platform assists those seeking help to find the support that suits their needs, regardless of their background. This platform is a non-judgmental and supportive space where you can discover a wide range of services across Europe that aim to provide support and help or someone to talk to. 
We believe that by connecting you with people who understand your needs, you can find support to navigate any complex emotions and experiences.

  • Is this platform safe for me?

    Yes, the safety of website visitors is our top priority. We take the protection of your personal data very seriously and adhere strictly to the rules of data protection laws. Personal data is only collected on this website to the extent that is technically necessary. Under no circumstances will the data collected be sold or passed on to third parties for other reasons.

    We would like to point out that data transmission on the Internet (e.g. when communicating by e-mail) can have security gaps. Complete protection of data against access by unauthorised third parties is generally not possible for technical reasons. We make every effort to protect your data as best we can. Further information on how you can additionally protect your data can be found here: Safety Tips

    This page gives you an overview of how we guarantee this protection and what type of data is collected for what purpose: Privacy

  • Who is behind this platform?

    The StepTo.Support website was created through the collaboration of experts in the fields of sexology, mental health, psychiatric treatment, and health promotion as part of the ‘Protect and Prevent Through Support’ (2PS) project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme. This partnership involves a diverse group of professionals and researchers who have dedicated their efforts to understanding and addressing the needs of individuals seeking support for sexual thoughts or behaviors towards children. The development of the platform was guided by insights gained from direct feedback, interviews, surveys, and user testing with the target audience, ensuring the resources and interventions provided are relevant and effective. The team’s collective expertise and commitment to offering confidential and therapeutic support have been fundamental in creating a platform aimed at fostering wellbeing, safe choices, and life free of sexual crimes against children for its users. For more information, see the About page.

  • Who can I contact in an emergency?

    If you’re struggling and in need of immediate assistance, it’s important to reach out for help. In a mental health crisis, contacting 24-hour local emergency services or a crisis hotline in your area is crucial. They are equipped to provide immediate support and guide you towards the next steps: Emergency Page

    Additionally, our platform offers resources and interventions designed to assist individuals seeking to live a positive and harm-free life. While our platform itself does not provide real-time crisis intervention, some of the services listed on our site offer information and support that can be accessed 24/7. These resources may offer guidance and information that could be helpful to you at any time, day or night.

    Remember, you’re not alone, and there are services and professionals ready to support you through this challenging time.

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A range of options

There are specialists who are ready to hear you out. From in-person counselling to anonymous online tools, this website aims to help you find the right option.

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Still have concerns?

We know that stigma and judgement are still commonplace. And we can’t guarantee a perfect experience. But there are ways to stay safe and be prepared for your first interaction with a support service.

Safety tips

As a cognitive psychotherapist working with individuals struggling with harmful and illicit sexual behaviours, I have seen first hand the critical need for accessible and supportive resources. In the help-seeking phase, it is essential for individuals to feel that there are professional, confidential resources available to them. StepTo.Support offers this assurance, backed by credible professionals dedicated to preventing harm and promoting healthy, responsible behaviours. By facilitating early intervention and support, this platform is a vital tool in our collective effort to protect children and support those seeking to change their behaviour. 

Cognitive Psychotherapist
From Finland

I felt unhappy and despised myself. Finally, I overcame my fear and called the number of the prevention network that my brother had told me about. I was totally surprised to be treated there with respect. The network arranged for me to receive outpatient psychotherapy near my home. I still go regularly.  

Male, 28 years old
From Switzerland

An acquaintance told me about [a] project. I phoned and immediately got an appointment for an anonymous individual conversation with a psychiatrist…. Right from the start, it was a big relief to finally be able to speak openly about this taboo subject without being rejected or judged by someone because of my sexual preference. 

Male , 33 years old
From Germany
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