Special Report: Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Recent historical sexual abuse cases involving influential individuals and institutions have brought child sexual abuse (CSA) to the fore of public consciousness.

Meanwhile, publication two years ago of the report by Professor Alexis Jay into child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 shone the spotlight on how abusers systematically groom vulnerable young people to exploit them sexually.

A series of independent and government-commissioned reviews and reports have subsequently highlighted failings by all agencies involved in the child protection system to fully recognise the extent of the CSE threat and adequately protect the young people most at risk of being abused. This has led to action by policymakers to strengthen local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

Additional government funding has allowed councils, other public agencies and voluntary organisations to work together to devise new ways of protecting children from exploitation, intervene earlier to prevent or stop abuse and boost support for victims of CSE and CSA.

CYP Now's Special Report on child sexual abuse and exploitation outlines the key policies that are driving change in how services are delivered, what latest evidence shows is effective in supporting children and young people affected by CSA and CSE, and profiles the work of five projects delivering innovative practice in tackling the problem.