What’s it all about? The Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England launched a two-year inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Gangs and Groups in October.
The inquiry aims to unearth the full extent of sexual exploitation and abuse of minors by groups and gangs across the country, using the commissioner’s powers to require local authorities, government and other agencies to provide requested information. The panel, which is made up of experts within academia and the health, voluntary and children’s sectors, will be led by deputy children’s commissioner Sue Berelowitz.
The findings will be used to influence and advise a range of professionals working in child protection, law enforcement and health and wellbeing, among others, on how to protect victims and recognise group- and gang-associated exploitation. It will also make recommendations on the development of preventative programmes and the delivery of effective rehabilitation for victims.
What will the panel be covering? The first year of the investigation is geared towards gathering evidence and highlighting good practice in the identification and support of victims, while in the second year the group will concentrate on the action needed to address exploitation, victimisation and abuse by gangs and groups.
What are the main points? The inquiry panel seeks information on instances of exploitation with detail of the type of abuse or violence committed, how perpetrators made contact with the child and the impact – both physical and psychological – that the experience has had on the victim. Where possible, the panel also seeks a breakdown of data on both victims and perpetrators by age, gender, ethnicity and disability.
Who can have their say? Adults and professionals working with children and young people. In addition to written submissions, respondents can provide evidence in the form of video, imagery or other forms of expression.
When is the deadline? Submissions must be received by midday on 20 January 2012. For more information visit www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/info/csegg1.
When will the findings be published? The final inquiry report is set to be published in September 2013 with responses to the report due in by October 2013.
