Public Sector Focus

27.04.18

Inquiry warns of ‘lack of transparency’ around child sexual abuse failures

There has been a “lack of transparency” around the failure of some institutions to protect children from sexual abuse, it has been revealed.

The Independent inquiry into child sexual abuse has published its interim report, in which it calls for society’s reluctance to discuss the issue to be addressed.

The lack of transparency was highlighted in recent inquiry reports into the child migration programmes and specific institutions in Rochdale, and has been raised by many victims and survivors participating in the Truth Project.

Over 1,000 people have taken part in the inquiry’s Truth Project, which is a confidential way for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to share their experiences in a supportive and confidential setting.

So far the inquiry has held five public hearings and seven seminars and has published reports setting out the findings from two public hearings and nine research reports.

Using specific contributions of victims and survivors, the report provides clear accounts of child sexual abuse and the profound and lifelong impact it has on them.

The average Truth Project participant was 52 years old, with the oldest aged 95 and around 60% saying that they were first abused between the ages of four and 11 years old.

A quarter were first abused between 12 and 15 years old and over a third said that they had been subjected to multiple episodes of abuse, involving more than one perpetrator or institution.

The report makes a series of recommendations including apologies to surviving former child migrants, with financial redress for them on the basis that “they were all exposed to the risk of sexual abuse.”

It also recommends that agencies within the criminal justice system are compliant with the Victims’ Code and revision of the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme to remove barriers faced by victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

Staff working in children’s homes should be professionally registered and professionals who pose a risk to children should be barred from working with children across all sectors.

Professor Alexis Jay, chair of the inquiry, said: “The Interim Report draws all this together and provides a clear account of our work so far.  

“It sets out the key themes emerging from our work and where the Panel and I identify changes which we think will help better protect children, we say so.  

“This report includes 18 new recommendations.”

She acknowledged that there is still much work to do, and said that there will be eight further public hearings in the next 12 months alone.

“I indicated in December 2016 that I expected the Inquiry to have made substantial progress by 2020. I believe we are on target to do that and to make recommendations which should help to ensure that children are better protected from sexual abuse in the future,” she concluded.

Comments

There are no comments. Why not be the first?

Add your comment

public sector executive tv

more videos >

latest public sector news

Leeds’ Clean Air Zone Plans Suspended for the foreseeable future

19/08/2020Leeds’ Clean Air Zone Plans Suspended for the foreseeable future

Leeds City Council have today (August 19) announced that their plans for a Clean Air Zone within the city may not have to go ahead due to lower e... more >
Apprenticeships on the rise across London boroughs

19/08/2020Apprenticeships on the rise across London boroughs

According to recent statistics by London Councils, apprenticeships directly created by London boroughs are up 14% on the previous  year. ... more >
Colleges set to receive £200m in Funding

19/08/2020Colleges set to receive £200m in Funding

Over 180 colleges are set to receive a share of £200m, in order to repair and refurbish buildings and campuses. The funding makes up p... more >

editor's comment

25/10/2017Take a moment to celebrate

Devolution, restructuring and widespread service reform: from a journalist’s perspective, it’s never been a more exciting time to report on the public sector. That’s why I could not be more thrilled to be taking over the reins at PSE at this key juncture. There could not be a feature that more perfectly encapsulates this... read more >

last word

Prevention: Investing for the future

Prevention: Investing for the future

Rob Whiteman, CEO at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance (CIPFA), discusses the benefits of long-term preventative investment. Rising demand, reducing resource – this has been th... more > more last word articles >

the raven's daily blog

Cleaner, greener, safer media: Increased ROI, decreased carbon

23/06/2020Cleaner, greener, safer media: Increased ROI, decreased carbon

Evolution is crucial in any business and Public Sector Executive is no different. Long before Covid-19 even became a thought in the back of our minds, the team at PSE were looking at innovative ways to deliver its content to our audience in a more dynamic and responsive manner. We’re conscious to take the time to both prot... more >
read more blog posts from 'the raven' >

comment

Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

21/06/2019Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

Taking time to say thank you is one of the hidden pillars of a society. Being on the receiving end of some “thanks” can make communit... more >
How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

19/06/2019How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

Tom Chance, director at the National Community Land Trust Network, argues that community-led initiatives are a productive way of helping to solve... more >
Aberdeen's green transport fleet attracting international attention

19/06/2019Aberdeen's green transport fleet attracting international attention

Aberdeen City Council’s hydrogen spokesperson, councillor Philip Bell, highlights the Granite City’s determination to play a leading ... more >
A fifth of public sector workers have never received a thank you from the people they serve

13/06/2019A fifth of public sector workers have never received a thank you from the people they serve

A fifth of the country’s public sector workers say they have NEVER received a ‘thank you’ for doing their job as Public Service... more >

interviews

Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

17/12/2018Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

It’s no secret that the public sector and its service providers need to invest in technology to help make better use of their resources. Bu... more >
Digital innovation in the public sector: The future is now

17/12/2018Digital innovation in the public sector: The future is now

One of the public sector’s key technology partners has recently welcomed a new member to its team. Matt Spencer, O2’s head of public ... more >
New Dorset Councils CEO on the creation of a new unitary: ‘This is going to be the right decision for Dorset’

05/11/2018New Dorset Councils CEO on the creation of a new unitary: ‘This is going to be the right decision for Dorset’

The new chief executive of one of the new unitary authorities in Dorset has outlined his approach to culture and work with employees, arguing tha... more >
Keeping the momentum of the Northern Powerhouse

15/10/2018Keeping the momentum of the Northern Powerhouse

On 6 September, the biggest decision-makers of the north joined forces to celebrate and debate how to drive innovation and improvement through th... more >