Source: Home Office published on this website Friday 18 December 2025 by Jill Powell

The next generation of girls will be better protected from violence and young boys steered away from harmful misogynistic influences, under sweeping new measures announced by the Prime Minister. 

The plans unveiled today will focus on prevention and tackling the root causes of abuse, and come as the latest stats show that nearly 40% of teenagers in relationships are a victim of relationship abuse and over 40% of young men hold a positive view of Andrew Tate.

Under the £20 million package, teachers and families will be empowered to address these harmful attitudes and behaviours head on, with young people taught to identify positive role models and challenge unhealthy myths about women and relationships.

This is just one part of the government’s strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, deploying the full power of the state in the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history.

Teachers will get specialist training on how to talk to pupils about issues like consent and the dangers of sharing intimate images, with experts brought in to pilot new approaches. This will be backed by pioneering research identifying the most effective way of teaching young people these crucial lessons.

Building on changes already announced to arm children against disinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories on social media, all secondary schools in England will be required to have a strong offer to educate students about healthy and respectful relationships, with every child getting access to this by the end of this Parliament.

Tackling the most worrying attitudes as early as possible, schools will also send high-risk individuals to get the extra care and support they need, focused on challenging deep-rooted misogynist influences. We will move quickly to deliver what works – a specific pot of money will be used to look specifically at how to prevent the most harmful sexual behaviours. A new helpline will be launched to help young people concerned about their behaviours to get the help they need.  

Source: Metropolitan Police published on this website Wednesday 17 December 2025 by Jill Powell

A south London children's mentor has been convicted of 14 sexual offences against former students following a Met Police investigation into historic child sexual abuse dating back more than two decades.

On Monday, 15 December, a jury at Isleworth Crown Court found Emem Udaw, 50 (28.01.75), of Knollmead, Tolworth, guilty after a three-week trial. Udaw was convicted of 14 counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16.

The offences relate to five victims, all in their early teens at the time, and took place at Holland Park Secondary School between 2001 and 2004 where Udaw worked as a children's mentor. He will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, 29 January.

Detective Constable Sandy Whysall, who led the investigation, said: 

“Udaw is a predatory offender who abused his position of trust to target vulnerable young girls during school hours. His conviction today sends a clear message: no matter how much time has passed, we will relentlessly pursue those who commit sexual offences against children.

“The victims were always at the heart of this investigation and we commend their bravery for coming forward. Their courage not only secured justice but will help protect others and has ensured that a dangerous individual is held accountable.”

The case first came to light in 2019, when a victim posted in a closed social media group about inappropriate behaviour by a former school employee. Several women recognised the description and privately shared similar experiences, which ultimately led to three victims reporting the abuse to the police in January 2020. Two further victims came forward in August and November 2020, prompting additional interviews with Udaw. Despite denying all allegations and claiming he acted as a role model. Udaw was charged with 21 offences on 1 July 2024.

Investigators revealed that Udaw exploited his mentoring role to isolate victims during one-on-one sessions. He encouraged them to skip lessons, took them to empty classrooms, and sometimes locked doors. He made sexualised comments, asked personal questions, and then touched victims under the guise of comfort—in intimate areas and kissed them. He also forced victims to sit on his lap. These acts were carried out repeatedly, often during school hours, and under the pretext of providing emotional support.

Anyone with information or wishing to report offences relating to Udaw can call 101 quoting Op RoseQuartz, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. For confidential help, the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line offers free phone and online chat for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales: 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.

Source: The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) published on this website Thursday 18 December 2025 by Jill Powell

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is proud to welcome CameraForensics as a new Member, strengthening a shared mission to eradicate child sexual abuse material from the internet and safeguard children worldwide.

CameraForensics is a global leader in online imaging intelligence, working closely with law enforcement agencies to develop cutting-edge tools that tackle emerging threats and accelerate time-critical investigations into crimes against children. The company’s technology helps investigators to identify victims and offenders faster, while reducing unnecessary exposure to harmful material.

By embedding IWF’s Hash List into its capabilities, CameraForensics will enable investigators to prioritise high-risk cases, protect more children from harm and reduce trauma among professionals on the front line.

The comprehensive library of unique ‘digital fingerprints’ of known child sexual abuse content allows CameraForensics to detect criminal images and videos quickly and accurately.

Matt Burns, Founder of CameraForensics, said: “We are very proud to partner with the Internet Watch Foundation. Enhancing our CameraForensics capabilities with IWF’s Image Hash List is an essential step on this journey.

“By helping investigators to quickly identify known child sexual abuse material, we can help them prioritise the high-risk cases where children need urgent protection. Thank you to IWF for all the incredible work that they continue to do.”

Kerry Smith, Internet Watch Foundation CEO, said: “Collaboration with tech companies like CameraForensics helps to amplify the reach of essential tools and expertise to create a safer digital world for children.

“By joining the IWF as a Member, CameraForensics demonstrate their commitment to child protection and we are pleased to have them join us in our mission to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material online.”

Find out more about becoming a Member and the services the IWF can provide here.

Source: Office of Products, Safety and Standards published on this website Monday 15 December 2025 by Jill Powell

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued a Safety Alert for baby sleep pillows following child fatalities in the UK and overseas.

The alert identifies the products as pillows or cushions for babies to sleep – or be placed – on unsupervised. Risks to the baby include suffocation and overheating which can lead to injury or, in some cases, death.

The term ‘Baby Sleep Pillows’ covers a range of products marketed under names that include baby comfort cushions, sleeping pillows or exhaust pillows. The Safety Alert gives a fuller list of common names on the market.

Parents and carers are urged not to use these products for babies under 12 months old or to place them in a cot or crib. If the product was marketed for baby sleep or to be used unattended, parents and carers should contact the business directly to discuss redress.

Read the Safety Alert.