System-wide child sexual abuse (CSA) snapshot

Why is the snapshot needed? 

In 2022, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) published its final report.¹ It found a need for a greater priority and focus, politically and across society, on protecting children from sexual abuse. IICSA’s findings demonstrate the urgent requirement for an integrated approach to tackle child sexual abuse across the UK. The System-wide CSA snapshot responds to this need and helps identify what the provision is in a local area.

The Home Office’s Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy (2021)² also includes an objective to ensure that all victims and survivors of sexual abuse are able to access timely, consistent and high-quality support services appropriate to their needs.

There is increasing evidence about the scale, nature and complexity of the problem but CSA recovery service provision across the UK remains patchy and relatively uncoordinated. We also know from our work with regional agencies and external partners that the provision of high-quality support services alone is an increasingly inadequate response to local need.

The 2020 Joint Targeted Area Inspection report on intrafamilial child sexual abuse³ highlighted the need for increased levels of professional confidence and competence to recognise the signs of sexual abuse as well as strong and timely interventions to support survivors and their families.

How the snapshot was developed

The findings of the Joint Targeted Area Inspection report, the recent Home Office CSA strategy and learning from the NSPCC HSB framework audit have informed the development of the snapshot. Key partners, including the CSA Centre for Expertise and NSPCC expert practitioners, have also contributed their insight to ensure the snapshot is fit for purpose.

Email us to find out more