Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse releases its final report

Warning: this page deals with references to child sexual abuse.

94 victims and survivors gave evidence in public hearings. For them, and for all who have experienced sexual abuse, this must be a defining moment for lasting change.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has published its final report and recommendations on how multiple organisations have failed and are continuing to fail to protect children in their care from sexual abuse.

Since 2015, IICSA has held 15 investigations with over 6,000 experiences being shared with the Truth Project and 87 recommendations for change made.

1 in 20 children in the UK has been sexually abused.1 One in three children sexually abused by an adult did not tell anyone at the time.2

IICSA was set up after investigations in 2012 and 2013 into the Jimmy Savile sexual abuse scandal revealed widespread abuse and inadequate safeguarding by institutions and organisations responsible for child welfare.

The role of IICSA was to investigate what went wrong and why, and use its findings to make clear recommendations and prevent failures from happening in future.

In that time information was sought from the NSPCC for nine investigations. These included investigations into residential schools, the internet, religious organisations and child sexual exploitation.

We provided witness statements, helplines data, records searches, briefing papers and results from an FOI request. Our staff gave evidence at public hearings, culminating in Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, giving evidence in December 2020.


IICSA’s findings demonstrate that we need to see a wholesale change in how child sexual abuse is tackled. Reporting matters and responding effectively is crucial. We’re calling for changes that would focus on strengthening:

  • prevention (through strong safeguarding policies and procedures in all organisations)
  • the recognition of the signs of child sexual abuse 
  • the knowledge of how to report
  • the availability of recovery support services
  • the response from child protection agencies.

Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said:

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"It would be an utter tragedy if events in Westminster completely overshadowed the report and recommendations from IICSA. This was a chance to show the survivors and victims who broke the silence that we have heard them and that their legacy will be a national mission to prevent child sexual abuse. They deserve nothing less.

"We will soon have a new Prime Minister. They must make this report a defining moment by making sure there is political leadership to translate IICSA’s recommendations into a robust system that truly keeps children safe. They must start by appointing a Cabinet Minister for Children.

"NSPCC analysis shows there were more than 85,000 child sexual abuse reports to police last year. The Government must also bring forward a strengthened a Victim’s Bill that ensures specialist support for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and deliver a robust Online Safety Bill to ensure tech firms design platforms that have child protection designed in as a legal requirement.

"Everyone has a role to play and if you ever have a concern about the wellbeing of a child, please do not hesitate to contact the NSPCC Helpline."

We're all responsible for helping keep children safe

It is vital that everyone recognises they have a part to play when it comes to keeping children safe from abuse. Find out more about types of abuse and how to spot the signs.

Find out how NSPCC Learning offers resources, training and consultancy to support people who work or volunteer with children and young people to help keep them safe.

If you ever have a worry or concern about a child, don't hesitate to contact our Helpline.


References

  1. 1 Radford et al (2011) Child abuse and neglect in the UK today

  2. 2 Radford et al (2011) Child abuse and neglect in the UK today