Protecting the most vulnerable members of society should be a priority for the government. However, since the findings of the IICSA report last year, little has been done besides promises to protect and support child sexual abuse victims. The damning report exposed decades of abuse, exploitation of minors, and institutional failings to let it all happen, in what is still shocking news to society. But has anything changed since its release?
What is the IICSA report?
The IICSA report was the result of a long investigatory process carried out by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). It was ordered following several child sexual abuse scandals in the UK, including notable cases involving the likes of Jimmy Saville and other authority figures.
Released in October 2022, the report detailed institutional failings across England and Wales said to be an “epidemic that leaves tens of thousands of victims in its poisonous wake”. The inquiry lasted over seven years and involved thousands of victims of child sexual abuse, hundreds of public hearings and witness testimonies from people including former prime ministers, senior police officials and religious leaders.
The findings sent shockwaves through society and have led to further investigations and reports into the practices of several religious institutions, schools, police forces and the internet. Many feel, and the reports confirm, that some of these institutions have failed to protect vulnerable children for decades.
What was recommended?
The IICSA provided several recommendations in the report, including the creation of a compensation scheme for victims let down by both private and public institutions. Furthermore, it was advised that it should be mandatory for people in positions of trust and working in regulated activity involving children to report suspected sexual abuse.
Other recommendations included the removal of the three-year limitation period for abuse claims started by victims of child sexual abuse, a national guarantee of specialist therapy and support for child victims, registration of staff across a range of care settings and age verification for online services and social media platforms.
How did the government respond?
The government response to the IICSA report was released in May 2023. There’s been widespread backlash and criticism since then, with many regarding the failure of the government to implement any of the recommendations quickly as a further failure to protect vulnerable children and support victims.
The government has committed to the child sexual abuse redress scheme which will provide compensation to those who were failed by the institutions they placed their trust in. Steps are also being taken to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in cases where it’s suspected or known by people in positions of trust or those working closely with children.
However, one year on, there is still little action and many, including those involved in the independent inquiry, want the government to take the actions recommended sooner rather than later. This lack of change and support for victims means that people continue to suffer and many more will likely be vulnerable until actions are taken.
