A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) is a court order used to place restrictions on a person who has been convicted (or cautioned) for certain sexual offences, where the court believes restrictions are necessary to protect the public or prevent further sexual harm.

SHPOs are designed to reduce risk and restrict behaviour linked to offending — especially where safeguarding is required around children or vulnerable people.

You will often see SHPOs mentioned in police updates, CPS press releases, and court reporting as part of sentencing.

Courts impose SHPOs to reduce the chance of further offending by restricting access, contact, or behaviours that may put others at risk.

They are most commonly used in cases involving:

• Sexual activity with a child
• Grooming and online communication offences
• Indecent images of children
• Contact offences against children or vulnerable victims
• Repeat offenders or high-risk individuals

The goal is safeguarding — preventing opportunities for further harm.

SHPO conditions vary, but many follow common safeguarding themes. Conditions are usually tailored to the offender’s risk profile and offence type.

👶 Contact Restrictions

• No unsupervised contact with children under 16
• No contact with a named victim
• No involvement in childcare / youth activities
• No entering certain parks, schools or public areas

📱 Internet / Device Restrictions

• No internet-capable devices without police approval
• Must register devices with police
• No encrypted messaging apps
• No social media accounts without permission
• No deleting browser history / data

🌍 Travel & Location Restrictions

• Restrictions on foreign travel
• Must notify police before travel
• Exclusion zones around specific locations

📸 Photography / Media Restrictions

• No taking photos/videos of children in public
• No possession of certain materials
• No access to child-related content or groups

A SHPO can be made for a set period (often several years), or it may be issued for a longer duration depending on risk.

Many SHPOs reported in court updates last:

• 5 years
• 10 years
• Indefinitely (in some high-risk cases)

Courts can also vary or update an order if circumstances change, but this is not automatic.

Breaching a SHPO is treated seriously. If someone breaks the conditions of a SHPO, it may lead to:

• Arrest
• Charge for breach of SHPO
• Return to court
• A further prison sentence

Breach offences may be prosecuted even if no new sexual offence occurred — because the order exists to prevent risk.

Below are examples of the type of wording you may see in official reports (these are generic examples, not case-specific quotes):

• “He was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.”
• “He is prohibited from having unsupervised contact with children under 16.”
• “He must notify police of any internet-enabled devices.”
• “He is banned from using social media platforms without approval.”
• “He is prohibited from entering parks, schools and play areas.”
• “He must not delete or conceal internet history.”

Is a SHPO the same as being on the Sex Offender Register?

No. A SHPO is a court order with specific restrictions. The Sex Offender Register relates to notification requirements (SOR rules). Many offenders have both, but they are different.

Can a SHPO be issued without prison time?

Yes. A SHPO may be issued alongside suspended sentences, community orders, or other outcomes if the court believes restrictions are necessary.

Can SHPO conditions include internet bans?

They can include internet restrictions, but often conditions are written as controlled access rather than total bans (for example: approval required, device monitoring, no social media).

What’s the difference between SHPO and SOPO?

SOPO (Sexual Offences Prevention Order) is an older term. SHPO replaced it under updated legislation. Some older cases may still reference SOPO.