Redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse to be launched in England

A redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse is to be launched in England, to “recognise the trauma victims have suffered”, the Government announced this week (22 May).

The scheme is to be set up on the back of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse published 19 reports on 15 investigations covering a wide range of institutions. It published its final report in October 2022, which included the voices of over 6,000 victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

The inquiry revealed failings by schools, local authorities and other institutions to protect and safeguard the children in their care.

The redress scheme will acknowledge the “institutional failures that allowed children to suffer at the hands of despicable predators”, said the Home Office.

The Government revealed that victims, survivors and charities representing them will be “closely consulted” as it develops the scheme, including asking “who the scheme should support, how we can best help them and how non-state institutions should be involved”.

The Government is also to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in England, which will make it a legal requirement for those who work with young people to speak out if they suspect a child is being sexually abused or exploited, it revealed.

A 12-week public call for evidence was launched on 22 May, asking how this should be implemented.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “Thanks to the brave testimony of thousands of courageous victims, this inquiry uncovered a dark and disturbing truth – that adults often turned a blind eye to the serious sexual abuse of the children under their care.

“No apology or compensation can turn the clock back on the harrowing abuse these victims suffered, but it is important survivors have that suffering recognised and acknowledged. That is what the compensation scheme will deliver.

“By bringing in mandatory reporting for adults working with children, we are shining a light on a crime which has for too long been hidden and silent. Today we are bringing this crime out of the shadows and saying ‘no more’. Perpetrators – you will have nowhere to hide.”

As part of its response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the government revealed it is also:

• looking at ways to improve access to therapeutic support for victims and survivors
• improving the way police collect data on child sexual abuse to better understand the scale and nature of the crime
• driving forward the Online Safety Bill, "which will place clear legal duties on companies to remove child sexual abuse material and keep children safe on their services"
• reforming the child protection system to make sure children are better protected
• looking at options to extend the list of people barred from working with children

Discussing the redress scheme, Alan Collins, Partner in the abuse team at Hugh James Solicitors, said: “Survivors and indeed the general public will judge the Government by actions and not mere words no matter how crafted when it comes to implementing the IICSA recommendations.

“I am pleased to see that the Home Secretary welcomes the need for a change in 'culture' but what does she really mean by this?

“I ask the question in light of the Government’s apparent acceptance that there needs to be mandatory reporting law in this country. I have repeated said when asked that the law is needed to change culture in our institutions viz social services; police; education; so that any child safeguarding concerns are reported and addressed.

“The “grooming” scandals revealed a chronic abdication of responsibility, and why such a law is necessary.”

Collins added: “If the Home Secretary means what she says on the tin that there has to be a change in culture then she needs to start with government and its institutions. She talks of victims legislation, which no doubt is welcome, but she needs to introduce to this the concept of accountability that is a legal right to hold to account those who fail. Only then do we stand a chance of seeing the cultural change that is so badly needed to ensure that our children and young people are better safeguarded.”

Lottie Winson