Eric Illsley

Labour Party | Barnsley Central

Eric Illsley MP joins NSPCC in campaign to support child witnesses

Eric Illsley MP has joined the NSPCC in calling on government to ensure that all child witnesses have the support they need to bring abusers to justice. The NSPCC says more money is needed to improve services in England and Wales, which are inconsistent and under-funded.1
Every year, 29,000 children – some as young as five – give evidence in court.2 Many fail to get proper services to support them through the confusion and distress of appearing as a witness. Some children say the experience is as traumatic as the abuse they have suffered.
Eric Illsley MP has joined over 80 other Members of Parliament who have already signed an Early Day Motion (EDM 739) supporting this campaign in Parliament.
NSPCC director and chief executive Dame Mary Marsh said: “Abused children have already suffered horrific experiences. Facing court can reopen old wounds.
“Without support they are left vulnerable and ill-equipped to face interrogation in court and provide robust evidence to convict their abuser and achieve justice.”