Child Sexual Abuse Declared an “Epidemic” in Shocking Final IICSA Report
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) slammed the crisis as an “epidemic” leaving tens of thousands scarred for life. Released on Thursday, the bombshell report demands urgent government action and promises to shake institutions to their core.
Calls for a National Redress Scheme and New Child Protection Authority
The IICSA didn’t hold back. It urged the UK government to set up a national redress scheme to compensate victims cruelly failed by state and non-state bodies. It also wants a cabinet-level minister for children appointed in Westminster, with a similar post in the Welsh government.
The report goes further, calling for a Child Protection Authority (CPA) to overhaul how child safety is tackled across all institutions. This new watchdog would ensure child protection is front and centre of government and agency priorities.
Shock Stats from Massive £186.6m Inquiry
- Inquiry launched in 2015 and cost £186.6 million
- Studied 15 areas including the Church of England abuse scandals
- Over 7,000 victims and survivors took part
- 325 days of public hearings with 725 witnesses
- 2.5 million pages of evidence processed
- Previous recommendations reissued as they were ignored
The report reminds us abuse isn’t a thing of the past. In fact, it’s “ever-growing,” fuelled by the dark web and digital dangers. Child sex crimes online are at an all-time high, experts warn.
Royal Blunder and Institutional Failures Laid Bare
The inquiry slammed the late Prince Charles—then Prince of Wales—for being “misguided” in backing disgraced clergyman Peter Ball, who was cautioned for indecency in 1992.
“For too long, child sexual abuse has been considered a problem of the past, despite lifelong consequences for its young victims,” said Professor Alexis Jay, chairwoman of the inquiry. “Allegations were ignored, victims blamed, and institutions protected reputations over children.”
The IICSA report blasted institutions for turning a blind eye while placing public image above child safety. “We cannot just file this away as history,” it warned.
Urgent Demand: Act Now or Risk Our Children’s Future
The IICSA expects swift movement from the UK and Welsh governments, plus all implicated bodies. They must report back within six months detailing how they’ve tackled the report’s 87 recommendations.
The latest figures back up the startling scale of abuse. According to the 2019 Office for National Statistics (ONS), 3.1 million adults in England and Wales—7.5% of the population aged 18-75—have suffered child sexual abuse. The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse estimates half a million new victims emerged in 2020/21 alone.
Professor Jay concluded: “Unless we act now, we risk a future where children remain at constant risk. This terrible crime must be tackled head-on.”
