Dear Editor,
LAST week marked the one-year anniversary of the publication of the final report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
The conclusions, which were published a year ago following evidence and testimonies from thousands of victims and survivors, made comprehensive recommendations to address endemic child sexual abuse.
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 to see the Government commit to investing in this recommendation as soon as possible, as part of a full and coordinated response to IICSA that includes fundamental reform of the child protection system. This 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.
New figures show that the NSPCC Helpline received more than 8,800 contacts from adults worried about child sexual abuse in the year up to the end of September – a 6% increase on the previous year and this equates to roughly one contact per hour.
The publication of the IICSA report should have been a defining moment for victims of child sexual abuse. There has been some movement. We have 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, and we are calling on the Government to ensure urgent provision of support for all child victims as part of a national mission to tackle child sexual abuse.
Child sexual abuse is not a thing of the past, and the NSPCC and Childline will always be here to support child victims and help them recover and rebuild their lives.
Yours sincerely
Ellen Smith
NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager for the East of England and Thames Valley
