Why Today’s Taboos?

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Today’s Taboos gives a voice to the hidden pains that many people experience in their lives and highlights what needs to change to reduce the isolation and suffering caused by these taboos.

Read the report in full here at Today's Taboos Report 2026 and follow along as we launch our activities and resources on Instagram @talkingtaboosfoundation.

What is Today's Taboos?

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Each year our topical roundup is built from groundbreaking research that identifies the most timely and urgent taboo topics. This project draws inspiration from a range of sources including people working in taboos, experts by experience, public opinion polling, social media and media data, and topic specialist charities. Our detailed methodology is in the appendix of the report.

What are the two most urgent taboos of 2026?

• Addicted to Porn

• Sexual Assault by Someone You Know

Many people are affected by these two taboos… But we are not talking about them

Personal experiences of addiction to porn and sexual assault by someone you know are widespread, yet the taboo means people are left silenced and alone.

• The people most affected by these taboos are those aged 18-44
• Half of 18-44 year olds in the UK have personally experienced or know someone who has experienced these taboos.
• 1 in 5 have been personally affected.
• But despite the prevalence of these taboos, 1 in 4 18-44 year olds don’t feel comfortable speaking to anyone at all about porn addiction or sexual assault by someone you know.

Why do we need to tackle taboos?

Today, we live in a culture overflowing with information and opinion. Yet there is still too little space for the human connection needed to explore taboo topics.

• Taboos create shame, inhibit people from speaking openly and make people feel less connected • Many of us don't know how to approach or talk about taboo topics and this can perpetuate pain and stigma • Support and resources are limited and some can unintentionally reinforce the very taboos they aim to address. More taboo-informed approaches are needed.

We believe opening up conversations ends the harm taboos cause. People agree with us, and yet don’t feel able to have these conversations.

That’s where we come in. Read the report in full Todays TaboosReport 2026 and follow along as we launch our activities and resources.

Join us in digging into the two taboo topics on on LinkedIn and Instagram @TalkingTaboosFoundation as we share more about our research methodology there. We’ll be holding space for conversations and working closely with our partners to create better understanding of the taboo experiences.