The full government response can be read here.
What were the key points of the announcement?
- CSA redress scheme. The government has committed to implementing a redress (compensation) scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse in England, though no timeline for implementation has yet been established.
- Mandatory reporting. The Home Secretary launched a twelve-week call for evidence, the results of which the government will use to help decide on how best to implement mandatory reporting. This new legal duty would require those who work with children and young people to report if they suspect a child is being sexually abused or exploited.
- The Home Secretary stressed her ‘gratitude to victims and survivors who came forward’, vowing that ‘this Government response is not an end to the Inquiry’s work, it is a beginning.’
What do we have to say?
“NAPAC welcomes the government’s response to the final report from IICSA.
We are particularly pleased with the announcement of a redress scheme. Survivors of non-recent abuse being able to seek financial compensation signifies a recognition of the suffering of survivors and the past failings of those that should have protected them.
We are also happy that the government is seriously exploring mandatory reporting. Done correctly, this has the potential to better safeguard the children of today and in the future.
NAPAC has always said that it is vital that the voices of victims and survivors are heard. It is heartening that the government agrees and have said that this response will be a springboard for ongoing collaboration and positive change that will benefit survivors.
We also know there is still a widespread lack of support for survivors of child sexual abuse. Sustainable change must happen swiftly so that survivors can access appropriate support in a timely manner.
IICSA was a milestone in the fight against abuse. Maintaining and increasing the momentum IICSA created means we must do more. More expansion of support options for survivors. More safeguarding processes across our institutions. More approaches to working with survivors that minimises re-traumatisation. Survivors, and society, deserve no less.
Gabrielle Shaw, Chief Executive, NAPAC.