Child abusers beware! The government is set to make it mandatory for anyone working or volunteering with children to report suspected child sexual abuse – or face serious sanctions.
Home Secretary Cracks Down on Abuse
Home Secretary Suella Braverman revealed plans today (Sunday 2 April) for a new mandatory reporting duty, targeting those who work with children. This comes after the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) exposed harrowing stories from thousands of victims let down by professionals who ignored their suffering.
The move aims to tackle years of under-reporting child sexual abuse and aligns with key recommendations from the IICSA report.
Consultation Launches – Everyone Has a Say
The government is kicking off a call for evidence open to professionals, volunteers, parents, victims, survivors, and the public. This will feed into a broad consultation before the new reporting rules come into force.
“Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes facing our society. It devastates victims, families and whole communities,” said Ms Braverman.
“Protecting children is everyone’s job. Every adult must be able to speak out without fear. That’s why we’re introducing this duty and asking for your views. We need a national conversation to shine a light on this terrible, often hidden crime.”
Extra Support and Funding for Whistleblowers
To back this initiative, the government is handing £600,000 to the NSPCC whistleblowing helpline. Professionals who fear their organisation is failing to report abuse can now get confidential advice and support.
Since launching in 2016 after the Rotherham abuse scandal, the helpline has helped over 1,000 individuals and triggered 300+ police referrals.
Additional funding will boost the NSPCC’s adult helpline, which handles welfare concerns and refers cases swiftly to police and child services.
Speeding Up Sarah’s Law to Protect Kids Faster
The government is also fast-tracking updates to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, better known as Sarah’s Law, named after eight-year-old Sarah Payne, murdered by a convicted sex offender in 2000.
New changes include:
- Online applications: Easier for the public to request information, complementing phone and in-person options.
- Faster response: Application processing cut from 44 to 28 days, with urgent police action on immediate risks.
- Proactive disclosures: Police can now share key info proactively, even without an application.
- Flexible communication: Some process steps can be done via phone or video call.
- Cross-scheme info sharing: Police can share data between Sarah’s Law and Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) without duplicate applications.
Dr Sara Payne MBE, Sarah’s mother, said: “My daughter’s death will not be forgotten or in vain. Since 2010, many children have been protected in her name. Today is a turning point. These updates to Sarah’s Law are vital – we can never do enough to keep children safe.”
The government will publish a full response to the Inquiry alongside the consultation. For now, professionals and the public are urged to engage and help stamp out this vile crime once and for all.
