Government to issue call for evidence on new mandatory reporting duty

The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, announced plans last week (3 April) for people who work with children to be legally required to report child sexual abuse or face sanctions.

The mandatory reporting duty, subject to consultation, follows the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which heard “heart-breaking testimony from thousands of victims let down by professionals turning a blind eye to their suffering”, said the Home Office.

One of the key recommendations made by the IICSA report was mandatory reporting, to address the “systemic under-reporting” of child sexual abuse.

The Government has announced that an “extensive consultation” is to be carried out ahead of implementing the new duty, which will include a call for evidence, open to professionals, volunteers, parents, victims and survivors, and the wider public.

Suella Braverman said: “Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes facing our society, it devastates victims, families and whole communities.

“The protection of children is a collective effort. Every adult must be supported to call out child sexual abuse without fear.

“That’s why I’m introducing a mandatory reporting duty and launching a call for evidence. We must address the failings identified by the Inquiry and take on board the views of the thousands of victims and survivors who contributed to it.

“I would encourage everyone to engage with the process once it starts – it is important to have a national conversation about this to help to shine a light on this terrible – but too often hidden – crime.”

The government has also revealed it is “speeding up the process” for members of the public to find out if someone they know has committed child abuse in the past in order to “better protect vulnerable people from predators close by”.

Known as Sarah’s Law in memory of 8-year-old Sarah Payne, who was murdered by a previously convicted sex offender in 2000, the updated guidance for the Child Sex Offender’s Disclosure Scheme will “make it easier for the public to raise a concern online and reduce the timeframes for police to respond to enquiries, which will help the public get the information they need sooner and protect children from harm”, announced the Home Office.

The Government said the call for evidence will be published alongside its full response to the Inquiry shortly.

Lottie Winson