Child abuse victims 'let down by system', children's commissioner claims

Research commissioned by the children's commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, found that although many children feel unable to disclose that they are victims of sexual abuse, professionals are often unfairly placing the responsibility on them to make sure their abuse is identified.

Researchers also found that many victims of child sexual abuse are waiting months or years before accessing support. Meanwhile, schools are frequently not fulfilling their role in giving children the knowledge to recognise abuse and seek help where necessary, making the early identifications of victims harder.

Longfield commissioned a total of three reports looking at the experiences of children who are victims of child sexual abuse - one on support available, one on the role of schools in preventing abuse, and one on the investigation of abuse.

The reports found that victims are frequently having to wait months or years for therapy following abuse, some schools are failing to offer children any lessons on sexual abuse, and children wait 100 days longer than adults for sexual abuse investigations to go to court.

"It is clear from this research and the heartbreaking stories told by young people within it, that many child sexual abuse victims are being let down by the system," said Longfield.

"Too much is being expected of victims themselves. Not only do many feel unable to disclose abuse, they are waiting too long to see their abusers charged and jailed. Often they have to wait months and years for therapy following abuse.

"Professionals remain dedicated to supporting the victims of abuse, but urgent changes need to be made to the way it is reported, the role of schools in preventing it and the criminal justice process in child sexual abuse cases.

"The Icelandic ‘Barnahaus' approach, where services ranging from medical examination to therapy are provided to victims under one roof, has been proven to be successful in overcoming some of these hurdles and I hope it will be trialed in England."