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Tech firms must up their game to tackle online harms against women and girls

Source: Ofcom published on this website Tuesday 25 November 2025 by Jill Powell

Online safety watchdog, Ofcom, today launches new industry guidance demanding that tech firms step up to deliver a safer online experience for millions of women and girls in the UK.

Women and girls face distinct and serious risks online, including misogynistic abuse, sexual violence, coordinated pile-ons, stalking, coercive control and intimate image abuse.

Ofcom’s guidance, published today, includes a wide range of practical safety measures that the regulator is urging tech firms to adopt to tackle these harms. These go above and beyond what is needed to comply with their legal duties under the Online Safety Act, setting a new and ambitious standard for women’s and girls’ online safety.

The guidance was developed with insights from victims, survivors, safety experts, women’s advocacy groups and organisations working with men and boys. Its launch is also supported by Sport England as part of their wider This Girl Can campaign, and WSL Football to raise awareness of women’s safety when taking part in sport and exercise.

Ofcom has today written to sites and apps setting an expectation that they start to take immediate action in line with the guidance. We will also publish a future report to reveal how individual companies respond.

Being a woman online

Women from all walks of life and backgrounds face disproportionate levels of harm online, which have wide-reaching effects. They limit women and girls’ ability to safely take part in online spaces, freely express themselves online, or even to do their jobs. They also contribute to the spread and normalisation of harmful attitudes towards women and girls.

Ofcom’s practical guidance, supported by case-study examples, sets out where tech companies can and should do more, while taking account of important human rights including freedom of expression and privacy. Focusing on the following four main areas of harm, our guidance makes clear how we expect services to design and test their services with safety in mind, and improve their reporting tools and support systems to better protect women and girls:

Misogynistic abuse and sexual violence.This includes content that spreads hate or violence against women, or normalises sexual violence, including some types of pornography. It can be both illegal or harmful to children and is often pushed by algorithms towards young men and boys. Under our guidance, tech firms should consider:

introducing ‘prompts’ asking users to reconsider before posting harmful content;
imposing ‘timeouts’ for users who repeatedly attempt to abuse a platform or functionality to target victims;
promoting diverse content and perspectives through their recommender ‘for you’ systems to help prevent toxic echo chambers; and
de-monetising posts or videos which promote misogynistic abuse and sexual violence.

Pile-ons and coordinated harassment. This happens when groups gang up to target a specific woman or group of women with abuse, threats, or hate. Such content may be illegal or harmful to children and often affects women in public life. Under our guidance, tech firms should consider:

setting volume limits on posts (“rate limiting”) to help prevent mass-posting of abuse in pile-ons;
allowing users to quickly block or mute multiple accounts at once; and
introducing more sophisticated tools for users to make multiple reports and track their progress.

Stalking and coercive control. This covers criminal offences where a perpetrator uses technology to stalk an individual or control a partner or family member. Under our guidance, tech firms should consider:

‘bundling’ safety features to make it easier to set accounts to private;
introducing enhanced visibility restrictions to control who can see past and present content;
ensuring stronger account security; and
remove geolocationby default.

Image-based sexual abuse. This refers to criminal offences involving the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and cyberflashing. Under our guidance, tech firms should consider:

using automated technology known as ‘hash-matching’ to detect and remove non-consensual intimate images;
blurring nudity, giving adults the option to override;
signposting users to supportive information including how to report a potential crime.

More broadly, we expect tech firms to subject new services or features to ‘abusability’ testing before they roll them out, to identify from the outset how they might be misused by perpetrators. Moderation teams should also receive specialised training on online gender-based harms.

Companies are expected to consult with experts to design policies and safety features that work effectively for women and girls, while continually listening and learning from survivors’ and victims’ real-life experiences - for example through user surveys.

What happens now?

Ofcom is setting out a five-point action plan to drive change and hold tech firms to account in creating a safer life online for women and girls. We will:

Enforce services’ legal requirements under the Online Safety Act
We’ll continue to use the full extent of our powers to ensure platforms meet their duties in tackling illegal content, such as intimate image abuse or material which encourages unlawful hate and violence.
Strengthen our industry Codes
As changes to the law are made, we will further strengthen our illegal harms industry Codes measures. We’re already consulting on measures requiring the use of hash-matching technology to detect intimate image abuse and our Codes will also be updated to reflect cyberflashing becoming a priority offence, next year.
Drive change through close supervision.
We have today written an open letter to tech firms as the first step in a period of engagement to ensure they take practical action in response to our guidance. We plan to meet with companies in the coming months to underline our expectations and will convene an industry roundtable in 2026.
Publicly report on industry progress to reduce gender-based harms
We’ll report in summer 2027 on progress made by individual providers, and the industry as a whole, in reducing online harms to women and girls. If their action falls short, we will consider making formal recommendations to Government on where the Online Safety Act may need to be strengthened.
Champion lived experience
The voices of victims, survivors and the expert organisations which support them will remain at the heart of our work in this area. We will continue listen to their experiences and needs through our ongoing research and engagement programme.

Bishop of Tewkesbury to be new lead safeguarding bishop

Source: Church of England published on this website Monday 24 November 2025 by Jill Powell

The Bishop of Tewkesbury, Robert Springett, is to be the Church of England’s new Lead Safeguarding Bishop, taking over from Bishop Joanne Grenfell who leaves the role at the end of March 2026, when her three-year term ends.

Bishop Robert will work closely with the National Director of Safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje, and other members of the National Safeguarding Team which provides specialist expertise on casework, policy development, training, evaluation and survivor participation. The Church of England is continuing to strengthen its safeguarding practices by committing to independent scrutiny and improving delivery. This includes implementing recommendations from the Makin review, the Charity Commission, and insights gained from independent safeguarding audits.

Bishop Robert is currently one of the Deputy Leads for Safeguarding and chairs the Theology and Safeguarding Group. He also chairs the Task and Finish Group, which scrutinises the work the Church is undertaking in response to the Makin review recommendations, and was also chair of the Task and Finish Group set up after the Scolding report.

In his new role, Bishop Robert will chair the National Safeguarding Steering Group, the delegated House of Bishops body responsible for making national safeguarding decisions. Bishop Joanne Grenfell, who is to be welcomed as Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich in January, will move into the role of Deputy Safeguarding Bishop with responsibility for the ongoing work on Safeguarding Structures, which is a programme of work strengthening Church safeguarding. When she takes up her role as a member of the House of Lords, Bishop Joanne will also speak on safeguarding.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said, “I am grateful to Bishop Robert, who in his work as Deputy Safeguarding Bishop, has worked closely with victims and survivors on our responses to key recommendations. He is clearly committed to seeking change to our safeguarding culture and practice, and I am delighted that he will bring his long experience in ministry to help lead and promote good safeguarding across the Church.”

Bishop Robert said, “Safeguarding should not be seen as a burden, but embraced with joy for the opportunity it offers to serve others. I have found the role of Deputy Safeguarding Bishop deeply rewarding, and I accept this invitation with a profound sense of calling to contribute to the development of healthy cultures across all areas of Church life. Through my involvement in the Scolding and Makin reviews, I have learned a great deal from victims and survivors—wisdom that will continue to shape and inform all that I seek to do in this new role.”

Man jailed for sex offences against children

Source: Suffolk Police published on this website Thursday 20 November 2025 by jill Powell

A man from Bury St Edmunds has been jailed after committing a series of sexual offences against children.

Martin Hogg, aged 73 and of Worcester Close in Bury St Edmunds was sentenced on Monday 17 November at Cambridge Crown Court to nine years imprisonment.

It follows his guilty plea at an earlier hearing at Ipswich Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to three offences relating to child sex offences that took place between 31 August 2024 and 15 February 2025. These were sexual communications with a child, cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and cause or incite a child to watch a sexual activity. These all took place against a single victim.

On Thursday 22 May at Cambridge Crown court, Hogg pleaded guilty to a further 18 offences that took place between the same dates and included multiple offences of meeting a child following sexual grooming, cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child and sexual communication with a child against seven further victims who were all children. Following on from this, another child victim was identified and a further three sexual offences were taken into consideration after an acceptance of guilt from the defendant.

Hogg (pictured below) was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Nick Parkinson-Hill, the investigating officer on the case, said: “The crimes committed by Hogg against the nine young victims in relation to grooming offences and sexual activity children were truly awful. The impact this has had on the victims and their families has been hard to accept and the Impact the offences continue to have on them is truly upsetting. I hope the sentencing of Hogg has started the journey to recovery for all involved.”

“I hope the outcome of this case reassures members of the public that we take such allegations of predatory behaviour extremely seriously and we work to safeguard victims as quickly as possible. We are committed to fully investigating any allegation of sexual assault, recent or historic and will provide the highest level of support and care to any victim whilst a thorough investigation is carried out, so if you believe you have been the victim as well, we would ask that you come forward and tell us.

“We want to encourage victims of any sexual assault to continue to speak to us and feel confident in accessing the specialist support they need. Any allegation will be fully investigated and we have dedicated specially trained officers who work with the victims of rape and sexual assault. The diligent response to this case by the safeguarding unit, indecent images team and proactive teams has stopped any chance of this dangerous male re-offending

“I want to commend all of the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forward and working with us throughout the investigative process. I hope that their bravery in coming forward gives others the confidence to do th same and Hogg’s guilty pleas has saved the victims from having to give evidence in court which is a blessing.

“However, whilst this sentence will provide the victim with some closure, understandably, what Hogg did to them will have impacted them significantly. If you have been directly affected by this case please quote Op Steadham25 in any reports to us.”

To report being a victim or for support and advice please use this link:

Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences | Suffolk Constabulary

Anyone who would like to speak to someone in confidence about sexual abuse or violence can contact Suffolk police on 101, or staff at the Suffolk SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre), The Ferns, on 0330 223 0099 or via email contact@theferns-suffolk.org.uk

Survivors In Transition | Support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse - Specialist support in Suffolk for female and male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, violence and exploitation

Here To Help | Brave Futures - provides a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 21 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families.

Stronger security checks for adults working with children

Source: Ministry of Justice published on his website Friday 21 November 2025 by Jill Powell

Parents will be able to get Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks when hiring private tutors, carers and therapists, among others. This will give them greater peace of mind that the people they let through their front door will not have a history of abusing vulnerable people. Under the current system, only those working for an organisation, such as a school or hospital, could request this information.

This change comes good on one of Professor Alexis Jay’s recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse - to make greater use of the Disclosure and Barring Service barred list to save children and vulnerable people from the horrors of abuse. It will come into effect from January 2026.

Minister for Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending, Lord Timpson, said:

“Enhanced DBS checks provide clear, reliable information about individuals’ backgrounds, helping families and personal employers identify risks and keep those with harmful intentions far away from children and vulnerable adults.

“Protecting the vulnerable, tackling abuse and standing up for victims is absolutely paramount to our Plan for Change.”

Before this change, self-employed or personal employees could only access Basic DBS checks which only show unspent convictions and cautions.

This is the latest step the government has taken to deliver on Professor Jay’s recommendations to better protect vulnerable children. The government is also bringing in mandatory reporting of child sex abuse and looking at how therapeutic support can help victims rebuild their lives.

Under this government, convictions for child sex abusers are at their highest ever levels and the police are looking again at more than 1,200 closed cases, including more than 200 cases of rape.

Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, said:

“We must use every lever at our disposal to protect children and other vulnerable people in our society from harm.

These measures, which respond directly to Professor Jay’s recommendation, will put more power in the hands of parents to vet anyone working closely with their children, even if they are freelance or self-employed.”

Further information

This measure amends the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and will come into effect in January 2026.
Enhanced DBS checks with a check of the barred list(s) are used for more sensitive roles working with children or vulnerable adults and are the highest-level DBS check available. They include spent and unspent convictions and cautions (subject to filtering rules), any police information considered relevant and proportionate to disclose by a chief officer, and whether the individual has been barred from working with children or adults. 
Under the Crime and Policing Bill, relevant roles will be eligible for the highest level of DBS checks, whether they are supervised or not.

DBS is supporting the Ann Craft Trust during Safeguarding Adults Week 2025

Source: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) published on this website Wednesday 19 November 2025 by Jill Powell

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is supporting Ann Craft Trust during National Safeguarding Adults Week to help organisations prevent abuse and create safer cultures through this year’s theme: ‘Prevention: Act Before Abuse’.

DBS supports employers to make safer recruitment decisions by processing and issuing criminal record checks and by maintaining the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists. Barred Lists are records of people not permitted to work in a regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults.

The Ann Craft Trust – which is hosting Safeguarding Adults Week from 17 to 21 November – is a leading UK authority supporting organisations to safeguard adults and young people at risk.

DBS’ focus during Safeguarding Adults Week is to help organisations understand when DBS checks are required, what ‘regulated activity’ is, how to access free checks for eligible volunteers, and the application process. Throughout the week, DBS will be sharing guidance and resources on:

different levels of DBS checks (Basic, Standard, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Barred List(s) checks)
which roles require DBS checks and what regulated activity with adults at risk means
how volunteers can access free DBS checks and what counts as voluntary work
how to use the DBS Update Service to keep certificates current

Activities provided by Ann Craft Trust include free online seminars and an in-person Safeguarding Adults Conference on Wednesday 19 November. Throughout the week, the Ann Craft Trust will explore a different safeguarding theme each day:

Monday – Change the Conversation: focusing on proactive intervention and creating safer environments that actively work to prevent abuse

Tuesday – Prevention in Practice: examining the role of leadership, good governance, values-based recruitment and meaningful training

Wednesday – Creating Empowering Environments: exploring trauma-informed approaches through empathy, co-production and positive risk-taking

Thursday – Trust Your Instincts: building courage and resilience to speak out, with tools to develop supportive safeguarding cultures

Friday – Celebrate the Safer Cultures: showcasing examples of good practice and success stories

DBS is also hosting a series of free online workshops across England during Safeguarding Adults Week. DBS Outreach Advisers will explain the role of DBS, including understanding DBS checks and role eligibility, what regulated activity means, the legal duty to refer, and the process for making a barring referral. Find out more.

Susie Blamire, Associate Director Strategic Lead for Safeguarding for the Disclosure and Barring Service, said:

"DBS performs a critical role in helping protect the most vulnerable. We support employers to make safer recruitment decisions informed by our different levels of DBS checks and by barring individuals who pose a risk to vulnerable groups from working in certain roles.

Prevention must be at the heart of safeguarding, and safer recruitment is a key part of that. We are pleased to support the Ann Craft Trust’s Safeguarding Adults Week and encourage organisations to understand DBS check eligibility. Knowing when and which checks are required, and how volunteers can access free checks are all essential steps in preventing harm.”

Stuart Sale, CEO of the Ann Craft Trust, said:

The DBS is a crucial organisation when it comes to safeguarding, and particularly when we think about prevention. The Ann Craft Trust is proud of the longstanding relationship we have had with the DBS, over a number of years, and are delighted that they have once again prioritised Safeguarding Adults Week in their calendar with a number of fantastic events. We look forward to continuing working with DBS to ensure that safeguarding remains a priority for any organisation that comes into contact with adults.”

DBS Regional Outreach Advisers provide year-round free support to organisations across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The team can help organisations understand DBS check eligibility and the legal duty to refer. They also provide tailored training and workshops. For more information, visit the DBS Regional Outreach service or contact dbsregionaloutreach@dbs.gov.uk.