The UK Government has unveiled major child abuse law reforms, answering the urgent call from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). These changes aim to smash down barriers for victims chasing justice.
Historic Scrap of the Three-Year Time Limit
In a groundbreaking move, the government is axing the three-year deadline for victims to make personal injury claims. This long-overdue change removes a huge hurdle that has kept many survivors from seeking justice.
Flipping the Burden of Proof
The legal shake-up now shifts the burden of proof onto defendants. No longer must victims prove their case; instead, defendants have to show why a fair trial can’t go ahead. This turns the tables in favour of survivors.
Institutions Forced to Face Up
An amendment to the Law of Apologies pushes institutions to own up to past abuses. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) says this could be a game-changer in helping victims heal.
Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood said: “These important changes, recommended by Professor Jay, are long overdue. These measures help survivors pursue their path to justice.”
What’s Next: Government Commitment and Support
- £10 million boost for local child protection services
- New laws cracking down on online abuse
- Protective measures focused on AI threats
- A Mandatory Reporting duty to ensure abuse is flagged up
Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC declared: “The courts must serve the public – and we recognise that victims and survivors need time to process their trauma.”
Experts Applaud Landmark Reforms
Gabrielle, NAPAC’s Chief Executive, hailed the overhaul as “a watershed moment for survivors of child sexual abuse,” underlining the vital impact these reforms will have on tackling long-term trauma.
