The goal of SBS is to provide an online community of support and understanding for the loved ones of individuals accused or convicted of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), also known as child abuse material (CAM) and formerly referred to as child pornography. We recognize the existence and online circulation of such material is a grave and deeply distressing issue, which causes immense harm to victims and their families worldwide. Our intent is not to diminish the suffering endured by victims, but to acknowledge the complex ripple effects these cases have on all affected, including the families of those accused.

Recent data shows the scale of this crisis: in 2023 alone, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 36 million reports of CSAM. Each case represents a tragedy, first and foremost for the victims and their families, but also a profound challenge for the families of those accused or convicted. These families, sometimes referred to as secondary victims, often face sudden isolation, confusion, and stigma, while trying to navigate the emotional and legal complexities that follow.

Importantly, individuals accused or convicted of CSAM possession are not a monolithic group. Cases can involve people of any age or background, including young people who may not fully understand the gravity or illegality of their actions. As technology evolves, the risks and exposures change as well with illegal material becoming more accessible through mainstream search engines and social media platforms. More and more often, headlines of CSAM arrests include individuals of all ages, but an incredible increase of arrests among Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012). The same will be true for Generation Alpha, those born between 2013 and 2025)

This has contributed to a global crisis affecting countless families and communities. In fact, there is a rising 1.5 billion dollar trend in Digital Wellness Apps - many focused on porn addiction.   Online pornography has had an extremely negative influence on Generation Z. Take for instance the Quittr App, which according to its co-founders Alex Slater and Connor McLaren is “a porn-recovery app, designed to help you regain control and live with purpose. Whether you’re looking to cut down or quit entirely, QUITTR’s neuroscience-backed system helps you reshape your relationship with porn, sex, and dopamine.”

According to an article by Deborah Fry in The Conversation International, a meta-study found that over 300 million young people globally have experienced online sexual abuse or exploitation. In 2023, more than 36 million reports regarding online sexual images of children were filed by technology companies and members of the public—a staggering statistic that underscores the scale and urgency of the issue.

Another layer of concern is the increasing exposure of children and teens to online pornography and digital risk behaviors. Research by Megan K. Maas, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, highlights that three out of four teenagers have viewed online pornography, often before adolescence, and issues like sexting and digital exploitation are on the rise.

For families in the United States, NCMEC’s 2024 data shows that while most CyberTipline reports are international, over 1 million resolved to a U.S. state. These reports are shared with dedicated task forces and agencies devoted to confronting online child exploitation.

If your loved one has been accused of such a serious crime, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and isolated. The intention of this website is to offer guidance, insights, research, and—most importantly—a supportive community. We strive to address the needs of loved ones without ever forgetting the profound harm suffered by victims, fostering an environment of empathy, information, and hope as you navigate an incredibly difficult journey.