Dr Alex Bailey on Porn, Child Sexual Abuse Escalation & How to Prevent It

Trigger Warning: This video discusses child sexual abuse, sexual violence, and related sensitive topics. Please consider whether this content is right for you today and look after your wellbeing while watching.

Can mainstream porn become a gateway to child sexual abuse material? And how can we stop harm before it happens?

In this crucial conversation, Ian Henderson speaks with Alex Bailey, forensic psychologist and senior practitioner at the Lucy Faithfull Foundation — the only UK charity solely dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse.

Alex shares insights from over two decades of experience, revealing:

• The devastating lifelong impacts of child sexual abuse

• How mainstream pornography can escalate into illegal content for some users

• The psychological drivers behind escalation and desensitization

• The emerging risks of AI-generated sexual abuse images

• How families and communities are impacted when someone offends

• Practical steps individuals can take to recognize warning signs and seek help

• The importance of education, open conversations, and prevention

Alex emphasizes that prevention is not only possible, but essential — and that everyone has a role to play in protecting children.

If you’re worried about your own online sexual behavior or someone else’s, please reach out for help. In the UK, visit the Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s Stop It Now for anonymous support.

00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction

01:00 – About the Lucy Faithfull Foundation

03:00 – Dr. Alex Bailey’s Journey into Child Protection Work

05:30 – Why Prevention Matters in Child Sexual Abuse

08:00 – Lifelong Impact of Child Sexual Abuse on Survivors

09:00 – Why Child Sexual Abuse Material Isn’t Victimless

10:00 – “What’s Porn Got to Do With It?” Report Explained

11:30 – How Mainstream Porn Can Escalate to Illegal Content

13:00 – The Psychology of Escalation and Desensitization

15:00 – Shame, Mental Health, and Hidden Struggles

18:00 – Warning Signs in Pornography Use

20:30 – Practical