'Open' and 'frank' discussions needed to protect children from sexual abuse, according to Inquiry

Britain as a society is too reluctant to discuss child sexual abuse, according to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

The panel is calling for a change in how the issue is tackled, with a bigger focus on 'open' and 'frank' discussions.

Of 2,040 adults questioned in the report, more than two thirds did not feel comfortable discussing child sexual abuse, even with those they know and trust, while also feeling confident discussing other sensitive issues, including terminal illness, substance abuse, bereavement and personal finance.

"Institutions are prioritising the reputation of leaders over the welfare of children"

The Inquiry also criticised public bodies, saying institutions are 'prioritising the reputation of political leaders or the reputation of their staff, or avoiding legal liability, claims or insurance implications, over the welfare of children and tackling child sexual abuse'.

The lack of transparency by some leaders when it comes to the failures of their institutions was a major part of the interim report, with a focus on the Rochdale CSE scandal.

"All child molesters are lowlifes. But some are lowlifes in high places." - Victim, The Truth Project

One victim said:

"The person I have described was well respected and a pillar of the local establishment. It was an open secret that he molested boys in his charge. Anyone who might have objected to his behaviour would have the daunting task of taking on someone with powerful friends and considerable influence. All child molesters are lowlifes. But some are lowlifes in high places."

The Chair and Panel have identified steps they believe will better protect children from sexual abuse and have made 18 recommendations to the government, police and others.

They include:

1. The Ministry of Justice should provide primary legislation to give victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in civil court cases the same protection as vulnerable witnesses in criminal court cases.

2. All police officers who want to progress to Chief Officer rank must have operational experience and achieve accreditation in the role of the police service in preventing and responding to child sexual abuse.

3. The National Police Chiefs' Council must ensure that complaints relating to child sexual abuse are no longer 'disapplied' by police forces on the grounds that the incident took place more than 12 months before the complaint was submitted.

4. The Department for Education should introduce arrangements for the registration of staff working in care roles in children's homes.

Professor Alexis Jay, Chair of the Inquiry, said:

"The Inquiry has a significant programme of work underway. We have held five public hearings and eight seminars. We have published the findings from two hearings and many research reports. Over 1,000 victims and survivors have now participated in the Truth Project.

"The Interim Reporter draws all this together and provides a clear account of our work so far. It sets out the key themes emerging from our work and where the Panel and I identify changes which we think will help better protect children, we say so. This report includes 18 new recommendations.

"We have much work still to do and evidence to hear - we will hold a further eight public hearings in the next 12 months alone, but we are making good progress.

"I indicated in December 2016 that I expected the Inquiry to have made substantial progress by 2020. I believe we are on target to do that and to make recommendations which should help to ensure that children are better protected from sexual abuse in the future."