Find answers to common questions about reporting crimes through TellSomeone. If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us by email or at The Restorationist.
This platform enables secure reporting of serious crimes, particularly those involving institutional abuse, grooming gangs, and crimes against children. Your reports can be optionally forwarded to the inquiry teams under Parliamentary privilege protections.
The platform is operated by The Restorationist with oversight from legal professionals. The technical infrastructure is managed by the Restorationist technical team.
No, this is an independent platform supporting advocacy groups and parliamentary inquiries. We provide a secure alternative to existing government channels, which have been criticised for inadequate safeguarding and limited scope.
The Lowe Inquiry operates independently with broader terms of reference than the government inquiry. Our platform is able to help them both and provides enhanced security, anonymity protections, and proper safeguarding procedures that were lacking in previous investigations.
Yes. The platform uses GlobaLeaks, the same software trusted by the International Criminal Court and major news organisations worldwide. All submissions are reviewed by qualified barristers before being forwarded to investigators.
Your security is our primary concern. We use military-grade encryption, store no IP addresses, and operate under US First Amendment protections. See our security documentation for full technical details.
No, this service is completely free. You should never be asked to pay for reporting crimes or accessing victim support services.
For immediate safety concerns, contact emergency services on 999. For general crime reporting, contact your local police. This platform is specifically for complex cases involving institutional failures where standard reporting channels may be inadequate.
Yes, you may submit in any language. However, translation may delay processing of your submission. If possible, include key details in English alongside your native language submission.
You can ask a trusted person to help you, or contact victim support charities who can assist with submissions. Voice recordings and simple descriptions are acceptable - formal writing skills are not required.
Report serious crimes including child sexual abuse, grooming, trafficking, institutional cover-ups, and police failures. Include dates, locations, names of perpetrators and witnesses, and any evidence you possess. No detail is too small if it relates to systematic abuse.
There's no length requirement. Some submissions are a few sentences, others are detailed accounts spanning multiple pages. Include as much or as little detail as you're comfortable providing.
Evidence is helpful but not required. Your testimony alone is valuable. You can upload documents, photos, recordings, or other files, but even without evidence, your account contributes to building a complete picture of systematic failures.
Yes, particularly if you're a parent, carer, or professional with safeguarding responsibilities. Clearly indicate you're reporting on behalf of someone else and your relationship to them. For immediate child protection concerns, also contact local authorities.
When in doubt, report it. The inquiry team and legal experts will determine what constitutes criminal behaviour. Your role is to provide information about concerning incidents - let professionals assess their significance.
Yes, but please also speak to a trusted adult if possible. If you're in immediate danger, contact police on 999 or Childline on 0800 1111. We have special safeguarding procedures for submissions from young people.
Historical abuse reports are extremely valuable. There are no time limits for reporting serious crimes. Old cases often form patterns that help identify ongoing risks and systematic failures.
Yes, you can make separate submissions for different incidents or perpetrators. However, try to include all related information in a single submission where possible to avoid duplication.
You can return to your submission using your 16-digit receipt code to add additional information or send messages to the investigation team.
You cannot edit submitted content, but you can add clarifications, corrections, or additional information using the messaging system. Use your receipt code to access these functions.
Contact us through the messaging system using your receipt code to request deletion. However, consider that your information may be crucial for protecting others, even if you no longer wish to participate personally.
Use the messaging system to send corrections or clarifications. Small errors don't invalidate your submission - the investigation team understands that memory and trauma can affect detailed recall.
Yes, complete anonymity is possible. You're not required to provide any identifying information. However, providing contact details enables follow-up questions and support services if needed.
No, you can use a pseudonym or remain completely anonymous. Real names are helpful for verification and follow-up, but protection of sources takes priority over identification requirements.
You can provide identifying information at any time using the messaging system. The platform is designed to allow gradual disclosure as your confidence in the process grows.
Click the "Submit a Report" button on the homepage. For maximum security, use the Tor browser and access our .onion address displayed at the bottom of each page.
Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If problems persist, try accessing via Tor browser or from a different internet connection. The site is designed to work on all modern browsers.
Yes, the platform is fully responsive and works on mobile devices. However, for sensitive submissions, consider using a computer with Tor browser for enhanced security.
All modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge are supported. For maximum security, we recommend Tor Browser, which provides additional anonymity protections.
You can use public computers at libraries, internet cafes, or community centres. Always log out completely and clear browsing history when using shared computers. Consider using Tor browser for additional privacy.
The submission form allows you to save progress and return later within the same browser session. For security reasons, drafts aren't saved permanently - complete your submission in one session if possible.
This is your unique receipt code. Keep it safe - it's the only way to access your submission, check for responses, or send additional messages. Write it down and store it securely offline.
Use the "Access Your Report" section on the homepage. Enter your 16-digit receipt code to view messages from investigators and send additional information.
Unfortunately, receipt codes cannot be recovered for security reasons. If you lose your code, you can make a new submission, but your previous submission will remain accessible only to the investigation team.
For security reasons, the platform discourages printing. If you need a record, copy your text to a secure document and store it safely. Avoid leaving physical copies that could be discovered.
Most common file types are supported including documents (PDF, Word), images (JPG, PNG), audio (MP3, WAV), and video files. Large files may take longer to upload depending on your connection speed.
Individual files can be up to 500MB. If you have larger files, consider compressing them or splitting into smaller parts. Contact us if you have substantial evidence archives requiring special handling.
Try reducing file size or checking your internet connection. If problems persist, describe the evidence in text and indicate that you have files available. The team can arrange alternative secure transfer methods if needed.
Yes. We use the same security standards as international criminal courts and major news organisations. Your data is encrypted end-to-end and stored on secure servers protected by US constitutional law.
Only authorised barristers and investigators can access submissions. All personnel undergo security vetting and are bound by professional conduct rules. Technical staff cannot access encrypted submission content.
Only if you choose to provide identifying information and consent to disclosure. Anonymous submissions remain anonymous throughout the process. Identity disclosure requires your explicit consent and legal protections.
Encryption scrambles your data so only authorised recipients can read it. Think of it like a locked safe - even if someone intercepts your submission, they see only meaningless scrambled text without the decryption key.
We store no IP addresses and operate under US legal protections. However, use Tor browser for additional anonymity if you're concerned about sophisticated surveillance. See our security guide for detailed instructions.
With HTTPS encryption, your internet provider can see you visited our domain but cannot read the content of your submission. Using Tor browser hides even the fact that you visited our site.
The platform is designed to leave minimal traces. Use Tor browser and clear your browsing history for additional protection. If you're at risk, consider accessing from public computers or seeking advice from victim support services.
While no system is 100% secure, we use military-grade security measures and undergo regular security audits. The encryption ensures that even in the unlikely event of a breach, your data remains protected.
Look for "https://" in the address bar and a lock icon in your browser. Our SSL certificate provides A+ rated security. The platform will warn you if your connection is not secure.
Tor is a browser that provides additional anonymity by routing your connection through multiple servers worldwide. While not required, it's recommended for sensitive submissions. Download it from torproject.org only.
Public computers add anonymity but require careful use. Always log out completely, clear browsing history, and don't save any information locally. Consider using Tor browser even on public computers.
Your safety is paramount. If you're in immediate danger, contact police on 999. For ongoing concerns, speak to victim support services. Our platform includes guidance on personal safety when reporting crimes.
Submissions undergo automated AI security screening to protect case workers and enable mass pattern recognition, then triage by qualified barristers who assess legal significance and safeguarding requirements. If you allow us, verified reports are forwarded to the inquiry team under Parliamentary privilege protections; to charities for support, or in rare cases, immediate escalation with UK police to prevent immediate harm.
Initially, qualified barristers bound by professional privilege. Subsequently, authorised members of the inquiry team. All personnel undergo security/safeguarding vetting and are under a strict duty of confidentiality.
Urgent safeguarding cases are reviewed within 24 hours. Standard submissions are processed within 5-10 working days. Complex cases requiring detailed legal analysis may take longer.
You'll receive confirmation that your submission was received and processed. Additional responses depend on whether you provided contact details (and your consent) and the nature of your submission. Check your receipt code regularly for messages.
Through the secure messaging system using your receipt code. If you provided contact details, we may also reach out directly if you allow us, but will always verify your identity using information from your original submission.
We'll send requests through the secure messaging system. You can provide additional information at your own pace and comfort level. There's no obligation to provide more than you initially submitted.
Not automatically. Submissions go through case workers and potentially the inquiry teams first. However, ongoing child protection concerns may require immediate police notification under UK safeguarding law. You'll be informed if this is necessary.
Yes, verified submissions can forwarded to either if you ask us to send them on your behalf. This ensures your information contributes to the broader investigation while maintaining appropriate legal safeguards.
Crime reports are assessed for immediate risk and evidential value. Historical crimes contribute to pattern analysis, while ongoing crimes may require immediate police referral. All decisions are made in consultation with legal experts.
UK law requires reporting of ongoing child abuse and certain other crimes. However, we operate under US legal jurisdiction, which provides additional protections. Each case is assessed individually by qualified legal professionals.
General progress updates are published on our website. Individual case updates depend on the nature of your submission and ongoing legal proceedings. Check your receipt code regularly for personal messages.
Possibly, if you provided contact details, gave us your consent to contact you, and your evidence is relevant to ongoing investigations. Any contact will be handled sensitively with appropriate support available. You can decline to participate beyond your initial submission.
For immediate danger, contact emergency services on 999. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, indicate this clearly in your submission. We monitor for urgent cases and will prioritise them accordingly.
If you need immediate help or support, please contact the appropriate services:
Call 999 if you're in immediate danger
0800 1111 - Free, confidential support for young people
0808 168 9111 - Free support for crime victims
Yes. Crime reporting is protected under both UK and US law. The platform operates under US First Amendment protections, which provide additional safeguards for journalistic and public interest activities.
Yes. Crime reporting is protected activity under UK law. Additionally, submissions to Parliamentary inquiries benefit from privilege protections. Our US jurisdiction provides further constitutional protections for free speech and press freedom.
UK law protects individuals reporting crimes or misconduct in the public interest. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 prohibits retaliation against protected disclosures. Parliamentary privilege provides additional protections for inquiry submissions.
Reporting crimes in good faith is protected activity. However, deliberately false accusations could have legal consequences. If you're uncertain about legal implications, consider seeking advice from a solicitor before submitting.
UK defamation law includes protections for good faith crime reporting and public interest disclosures. Parliamentary privilege provides additional protection for inquiry submissions. However, ensure your submission is factual and avoid speculation.
Intimidation of crime reporters is itself a criminal offence. Report threats to police immediately. Our platform's anonymity features help protect your identity, and legal protections exist for those reporting crimes in the public interest.
UK employment law prohibits dismissal for protected disclosures made in the public interest. However, consult an employment solicitor if you're concerned about workplace retaliation, particularly in sensitive sectors.
NDAs cannot legally prevent reporting of crimes or serious misconduct. However, the legal position can be complex. Consider seeking legal advice about your specific situation before submitting if you have concerns.
No. There are no time limits for reporting serious crimes including child sexual abuse. Historical cases are often crucial for identifying patterns and ongoing risks, regardless of when the original crimes occurred.
Our security measures minimise this risk. Anonymous submissions provide additional protection. If you're identified despite precautions, intimidation and retaliation are criminal offences that should be reported to police.
Courts can grant anonymity orders for vulnerable witnesses, particularly in cases involving child abuse or where there are genuine safety concerns. Each case is assessed individually based on specific circumstances.
Testimony may not be required - many investigations proceed based on documentary evidence and other sources. If testimony is needed, special measures exist to protect vulnerable witnesses, including video links and anonymity protections.
Yes, parents and legal guardians can submit reports about crimes against their children. Clearly indicate you're reporting on behalf of someone else and explain your relationship to them in your submission.
Report based on your observations, concerns, and any evidence available. Include details about changes in behaviour, physical signs, or concerning statements. Professional investigators can assess the significance of these indicators.
Provide emotional support and explain the process in age-appropriate terms. Let them know they've done nothing wrong and that reporting helps protect other children. Consider involving child psychology professionals for additional support.
Various charities provide specialist support for families affected by abuse, including counselling, legal advice, and practical assistance. Our platform includes links to appropriate support services based on your specific circumstances.
When in doubt about child safety, report your concerns. It's better to report suspicions that prove unfounded than to miss genuine abuse. Professional investigators can determine whether concerning indicators warrant further action.
This is incredibly difficult, but child protection must take priority. Contact children's services and police for immediate support. Our platform can document patterns of abuse for investigative purposes alongside official reporting channels.
If your child is in immediate danger, contact police on 999 and children's services. For ongoing concerns, develop a safety plan with professional support. Document incidents and report them through appropriate channels.
For ongoing abuse or immediate risks, yes. Our platform complements official reporting rather than replacing it. Use both channels - police for immediate intervention and our platform for comprehensive documentation.
Don't force disclosure, but you can still report your concerns as a parent. Professional support can help children understand the importance of reporting while respecting their autonomy and trauma responses.
Use age-appropriate language, reassure them they're not in trouble, and emphasise that reporting helps protect others. Consider involving child psychology professionals who specialise in trauma-informed communication.
Yes, particularly where standard reporting channels have failed or institutional factors prevent proper investigation. Clearly indicate your professional role and relationship to the case in your submission.
Professional obligations vary by sector, but generally include reporting through official channels first. Our platform provides an additional avenue where standard procedures have failed or institutional factors prevent proper investigation.
Yes, if you have safeguarding responsibilities and standard channels have proven inadequate. Clearly explain your professional relationship and any barriers to conventional reporting in your submission.
Professional duty of care and public interest may require disclosure despite organisational loyalties. UK law protects disclosures made in good faith about serious wrongdoing. Consider seeking legal advice about your specific situation.
This platform complements rather than replaces professional obligations. Continue following official procedures while using our platform to document cases where standard channels prove inadequate for protecting vulnerable individuals.
Duty of care may actually require disclosure where institutional factors prevent proper safeguarding. Document your efforts through official channels and use our platform where additional scrutiny is needed.
Yes, professional support is available through relevant bodies and trade unions. Our platform can facilitate connections with legal experts who understand professional obligations in complex safeguarding situations.
Continue following mandated reporting requirements through official channels. Our platform provides additional documentation for cases where standard procedures prove insufficient for protecting vulnerable individuals.
Include dates, times, individuals involved, actions taken through official channels, and any barriers encountered. Professional documentation standards apply - be factual, objective, and comprehensive in your reporting.
Contact emergency services and children's services immediately. Our platform is for documentation and investigation, not emergency response. Use official emergency procedures for immediate protection needs.
Submissions are retained for the duration of the inquiry and related legal proceedings. Data retention policies comply with both UK GDPR requirements and US legal standards. Specific retention periods depend on case status and legal requirements.
You can request deletion, but this may be limited by ongoing legal proceedings and public interest considerations. Crime evidence may need to be retained for investigation and prosecution purposes.
Data is stored on secure servers in the United States, protected by US constitutional law and operated by security-cleared personnel. All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest using military-grade security standards.
Only authorised legal professionals and investigators have access to submission content. Technical staff cannot access encrypted data. All personnel undergo security vetting and are bound by confidentiality agreements.
You retain standard GDPR rights including access, rectification, and erasure, subject to limitations for crime prevention and legal proceedings. However, US jurisdiction provides additional protections not available under UK law.
Yes, you can access your submission using your receipt code. For formal data subject access requests, contact us through the secure messaging system with appropriate identity verification.
Use the secure messaging system to update contact information. Provide sufficient detail for identity verification while maintaining security protocols. Changes will be processed and confirmed through the platform.
Information is shared only with safeguarders and, where legally required, with law enforcement for child protection. No commercial sharing occurs, and all disclosures are governed by strict legal and ethical protocols.
Data would be securely transferred to the inquiry teams or appropriate legal authorities. Personal data would be handled according to GDPR requirements. Users would be notified of any closure plans well in advance.
Yes, you can specify communication preferences in your submission or through the messaging system. However, legal obligations may require contact in exceptional circumstances, particularly for child protection matters.