The UK is facing a child sex abuse epidemic, Sajid Javid has said as a report that "uncovers the true scale of the threat" is published.
On social media, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer said: "Our country is facing an epidemic of child sexual abuse. For the past year I’ve led a no-holds-barred investigation with The Centre for Social Justice to uncover the true scale of the threat and help turn the tide on these appalling crimes.
"Today, we publish the final report. Its findings are uncomfortable in places. However, as well as hard truths I believe it offers a sense of hope. This problem isn’t insurmountable. There’s much more we can do."
Mr Javid said the report makes 96 actionable, cross-government policy recommendations and:
- Identifies loopholes that registered sex offenders are using to stay under the radar.
- Sets out a blueprint for how tech companies can better protect children online.
- Includes ways of tackling a culture of weak to non-existent sentencing for abusers.
- Suggests how we can better support victims to fight for the justice
- Argues against victims bearing the punishment for crimes they were coerced to commit.
- Supports proactive policing to prevent shocking failures like the grooming gangs scandal.
- Suggests ways of making sure we don’t miss when children are being abused - including through an increase in the number of trained school nurses.
- Asks for new laws to combat live streaming – "a particularly insidious form of abuse"
- Calls for the victim’s law to be introduced, guaranteeing victims’ rights and the support they can expect
- Asks for an Independent Child Sexual Abuse Commissioner and a new Cabinet Committee, to make sure that meaningful action is taken to protect some of the most precious members of our society.
"The project has been a labour of love for me, and for the outstanding individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working on it with," said Mr Javid.
"I’d like to thank our expert Commissioners, and the talented, courageous group of survivors who have shaped our work from start to finish."
