Today the Inquiry has released its 18th investigation report, which has found that extensive failures by local authorities and police forces mean they are struggling to keep pace with the changing nature of sexual exploitation of children by networks. 

The report, Child Sexual Exploitation by Organised Networks, says children are being sexually exploited by networks in all parts of England and Wales in the ‘most degrading and destructive ways’, with many exploited children raped or sexually assaulted repeatedly, over a period of months or even years. 

You can read the report here, and find out more about this investigation here.

Inquiry announces publication date of last investigation report

The Inquiry will publish its 19th and last investigation report, Residential Schools, at midday on 1 March 2022. 

The investigation explored how schools and other institutions responded to allegations of sexual abuse by school staff, and addressed broad questions of culture, governance, leadership, training and recruitment.

Acknowledging the experiences of LGBTQ+ victims and survivors

LGBT+ History Month provides an important opportunity to recognise the prejudice faced by many individuals identifying as LGBTQ+. The Inquiry has heard about a range of barriers to disclosing and reporting child sexual abuse through the Truth Project and its recent engagement work.

We’ve heard from LGBTQ+ victims and survivors and organisations supporting LGBTQ+ people who’ve highlighted issues such as access to support, discrimination and homophobia. This work will result in a published report later this year.

As an adult gay man, Hari has suffered homophobic attacks and his dealings with the police have eroded his trust in them. He was once told he should just avoid the attackers. He says it is crucial that victims and survivors are treated with respect. Read his experience shared with the Truth Project.

*Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Questioning +, recognises the existence of all additional sexual orientations and gender identities.

Children are still being failed when it comes to protecting them from sexual abuse

Emma Lewis, a member of the Inquiry’s Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel (VSCP) has written a blog for Children and Young People Now reflecting on failings that are continuing today. 

Emma’s blog is based on findings in the Inquiry’s Engagement with children and young people report which highlights a wide range of concerns including access to support, handling of cases by statutory services, education not reflecting current challenges and a need for social media platforms to take responsibility. Read more.

“I didn’t know what grooming was, so how was I supposed to know what was happening, and tell people what was happening?” Young victim and survivor 

“We are teaching kids to pass exams and not helping them live life safely. This is going to be how we live our lives going forward. We do safety training for crossing a road and we should be doing safety training before we put them on the internet.” Child sexual abuse support worker