New measures to be put in place by the government to tackle child sexual abuse

The CSA (The centre for expertise on child sexual abuse) have estimated how one in ten children are subject to sexual abuse before they turn 16.

The government have responded to reports from the IISCA (independent inquiry into child sexual abuse) regarding child sexual abuse in British Institutions and another in relation to child sexual abuse in the family environment. 

In order to prevent child sexual abuse from taking place it is suggested that we must understand why and how people abuse children and how to stop this before it starts. The government should treat preventative measures as a non-negotiable.  

The Government have proposed some changes in response to the IISCA recommendations. These include a new Child Protection Authority, better support for victims and survivors, the focus on intra-familial abuse and tackling online threats.

While these changes are supported, they have been described as ‘indicating aspiration’ rather than firm commitment. 

Safeguarding minster Jess Phillips has spoken on how she is willing to be ‘pushed for more’ and held to account to achieve as much as possible for children. She has expressed how investment is needed into early education, public messaging, cultures of safeguarding in our institutions and legislation that hold tech platforms accountable, alongside robust criminal justice response and adequate support services for victims and survivors. 

Though the governments response is an adequate step forward into tackling this issue, they need to be seen through.