To acknowledge the institutional failures that allowed children to suffer, a redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse will be launched, the Home Office announced on Monday.
An Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse – that took place over seven years – found widespread failings in both state and non-state institutions, including government departments, the police, schools, local authorities, religious organisations, political parties and the armed services, according to the Home Office’s latest press release.
“Thousands of brave victims and survivors came forward to give evidence to the Independent Inquiry, sharing heart-breaking details of how they were ignored by the people who should have protected them,” said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
“By bringing in mandatory reporting for adults working with children, we are shining a light on a crime that has long been hidden and silent. Today we are bringing this crime out of the shadows and saying ‘no more’. Perpetrators – you will have nowhere to hide,” said Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Victims, survivors, and the charities representing them will be “closely consulted” as the government continues to develop the scheme.
Additionally, the government will introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in England, meaning it will become a legal requirement for those working with minors to report if they suspect that the minor in question is being abused.
The government launched a 12-week public call for evidence on Monday to see how this should be implemented.
(Sofia Stuart Leeson| EURACTIV.com)
Read more with EURACTIV
Dutch may not reach housing construction goals due to migration, minister says
Source: euractiv.com
