NSPCC: Government response to child abuse inquiry is failing victims

The seven-year inquiry was set up after the Jimmy Savile scandal revealed widespread abuse and inadequate safeguarding by institutions and organisations responsible for child welfare. Its conclusions published a year ago, after evidence and testimonies from thousands of victims and survivors, made comprehensive recommendations to address endemic child sexual abuse.

New figures this week show the NSPCC Helpline has received more than 8,800 contacts from adults worried about child sexual abuse in the year up to the end of September - a six per cent increase on the previous year. This equates to roughly one contact per hour.

Our Helpline is a way for adults to contact child safeguarding experts if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of a child or young person. One caller said: “I’m worried about the little boy next door. He was in the garden recently and offered to show me what’s in his pants. When I said those are private and asked if any other adults ask to see them, he said ‘Mummy’s friend’. I’ve seen a man visiting the house who isn’t the dad, I think this might be him.”

One of IICSA’s key recommendations was to provide therapeutic support for victims of child sexual abuse, but this has not yet been moved forward by the Government. We want this implemented as soon as possible, along with a full, co-ordinated response to IICSA across Government to reform of the child protection system. It is crucial if the child protection, health and criminal justice systems are to cope with the rising levels of reported abuse and to ensure all child victims have access to sufficient support. The publication of the IICSA report should have been a defining moment for victims of child sexual abuse who deserved to see a significant shift in the culture of child safeguarding. There has been some movement; we welcomed the passing of the Online Safety Bill, and the Government has announced a redress scheme for victims and a consultation into mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse. But in the 12 months since its publication, there has been little sign of meaningful change in child safeguarding. We call on the Government to ensure urgent provision of support for victims as part of a national mission to tackle child sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse is not a thing of the past. The Government’s piecemeal response to IICSA has not only been underwhelming but is failing child victims of sexual abuse.