The Fight Against Child Sexual Abuse: A Call for Action Over Inquiry
The battle against child sexual abuse has been a long and harrowing journey for survivors, law enforcement, and policymakers alike. Recent debates have centered on whether another public inquiry is necessary, but voices from the frontlines argue that the focus should shift to actionable solutions rather than repetitive investigations.
The Case Against Further Inquiries
Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Morton, who led Operation Bullfinch—the largest criminal inquiry in Oxford’s history—has been vocal about the futility of additional inquiries. “We’ve done the public inquiry. Every single investigation has been thoroughly reinvestigated and checked. We’ve had seven years worth of Prof Jay and her team looking at child sex exploitation and made the recommendations,” he stated. His message is clear: “Let’s get it going. Don’t waste your money on more pointless inquiries.”
This sentiment is echoed by a survivor of child sexual abuse, who emphasized that the political debate has been misdirected. “It’s naïve to think [grooming] is not still happening, and the political debate is not focused on the problem but on trying to outdo one another,” she told the BBC. Her plea is heart-wrenching: “My life has been destroyed by this. People need to focus on us and how to stop this and not on scoring points.”
New measures to Combat Abuse
In a notable move,Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a new offense targeting those who cover up or fail to report child sexual abuse. This measure, set to be introduced this year, could impose professional or criminal sanctions on offenders. While this is a step in the right direction, Morton warns that survivors often distrust authorities, including the police and social services.
He also highlighted that perpetrators have been driven underground by recent publicity but remain active. This underscores the need for sustained vigilance and proactive measures rather than reactive inquiries.
Key Recommendations and Actions
The government has committed to adopting the recommendations made in 2022 by the Autonomous Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), led by Professor Alexis Jay. These recommendations aim to address systemic failures and improve support for survivors.However, the real challenge lies in implementation.
Below is a summary of key actions and their potential impact:
| Action | Impact |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————|
| Adoption of IICSA recommendations | Addresses systemic failures and improves survivor support |
| Introduction of new reporting offence | Holds enablers accountable and encourages transparency |
| Focus on survivor-centered solutions | shifts attention from political debates to actionable support for victims |
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The time for endless inquiries is over. What survivors need now is tangible support,effective prevention strategies,and a justice system they can trust. As Morton aptly put it, “Let’s get it going.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by child sexual abuse, reach out to trusted organizations like the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) for support. Together, we can create a safer future for all children.
The fight against child sexual abuse is far from over, but with collective action and unwavering focus, we can make a difference. Let’s prioritize survivors and stop the cycle of abuse—once and for all.
