Barnardo's responds to the Home Office's Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy

Published on
22 January 2021

The Home Office has today launched their new Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said:

“We welcome the Government’s long-awaited child sexual abuse strategy but this is just the beginning of a long road and there is much work to be done. 

“Child sexual abuse is a horrific crime, causing trauma that can last a lifetime. Too many children, including boys, under 10s, LGBTQ+, disabled and BAME children, still slip under the radar and miss out on vital support. A key test for this strategy is whether more children are kept safe from harm and whether we see increased awareness of child sexual abuse amongst everyone who can play a part in stepping in to protect children - including the public, professionals and night-time workers.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has meant more children have been locked down in unsafe homes where abuse may have been taking place, and it is crucial that all children get timely support to recover from their experiences so they can go on to have a positive future. 

“It is now crucial that there is strong leadership from the highest level of Government, with departments working together to deliver this strategy. There must also be clarity on long-term funding because we know change doesn’t happen overnight.”
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