"Stop": A Little-Known Hotline Supports People with Sexual Attractions to Children

Paris – 06/08/2026: Since its introduction in 2019, the “Stop” service in France has established itself as a central contact point for people with sexual attractions to children. The goal of the Service Téléphonique d’Orientation et de Prévention (STOP) is to provide these individuals with confidential and free counseling in order to prevent potential offenses.

In 2025, the hotline received over 4,500 calls, representing an increase of about 20% compared to the previous year. This development underscores the growing acceptance and trust in the service. Anne-Laure Avice, coordinator of the Fédération française des Centres Ressources pour les Intervenants auprès des Auteurs de Violences Sexuelles (FFCRIAVS), emphasizes: “The increasing number of calls shows that the service works and that we have achieved better visibility.”

The “Stop” service is supported by the Centres Ressources pour les Intervenants auprès des Auteurs de Violences Sexuelles (CRIAVS) and offers a telephone platform that forwards callers to the responsible regional contact. There, a preliminary evaluation is conducted by an interdisciplinary team consisting of psychologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists. If necessary, therapeutic treatment is recommended, which may include psychotherapeutic and/or pharmacological measures.

Despite the positive development, the service remains an important preventive measure in the fight against sexual abuse of children. Studies show that between 30% and 70% of sexual violence acts against minors are committed by individuals who have a sexual attraction to children. Therefore, it is crucial to offer support to these individuals at an early stage to prevent offenses.

In January 2026, the FFCRIAVS launched a new communication campaign to raise awareness of the “Stop” service even more. Under the motto “Are you sexually attracted to children? STOP! Call us,” the confidentiality and free counseling are highlighted. Ingrid Bertsch, psychologist and vice president of the FFCRIAVS, explains: “The more communication there is, the more calls we receive.”

The “Stop” service can be reached at 0 806 23 10 63 and is aimed at people with sexual attractions to children, their relatives, and professionals seeking information. Calls are treated confidentially and free of charge, with callers being forwarded to the responsible regional CRIAVS.

The continuous expansion and improvement of the “Stop” service is an important step in the prevention process against sexual abuse of children. By providing support and resources for people with pedophilic attractions, the risk of offenses can be reduced and the welfare of children can be protected.