Lincolnshire Police officer on why he helps paedophiles’ families

PC Scott calls the families of suspects the “ignored victims”.

He says: “These unsuspecting victims are shocked, upset, disgusted… as everybody else is. But punishing them, indirectly, is not the right thing to do.

“Before this role was created, families would be given a leaflet offering some advice.”

Due to the nature of the crime, it is not something people can easily talk to other relatives or their friends about, explains PC Scott.

“There is deep shame,” he says. “They often feel they can’t talk to anyone. That’s where I come in.”

I press the officer on whether he truly believes the partners of those engaged in such behaviour have no inkling whatsoever as to their crimes.

PC Scott is emphatic.

“I have dealt with hundreds of families,” he says. “And I believe none of them were aware.”