Child abuse

Children living away from home are better protected against abuse than in the mid-1990s when a succession of scandals in care homes were exposed.

 

But there has been little or no progress in bringing sex abusers to justice, or in providing adequate help for children who have been sexually abused.

 

And there are concerns for the protection of specially vulnerable groups, including disabled children and children in prison, according to a report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

 

Stakeholder Response: Joseph Rowntree Foundation

 

Marian Stuart, co-author of the report, said: "The incidence of sexual abuse of children is greater than most people realise, yet the number of convictions remains worryingly low. Experts estimate that fewer than one in 50 sexual offences results in a criminal conviction.

 

"If this problem continues to go unchecked, there will be an inexorable rise in the numbers of children subjected to sexual abuse, with all the damaging effects that can follow. A radical rethink is essential.