The UK government has unveiled a groundbreaking £10 million action plan aimed at empowering survivors of sexual abuse to seek justice through independent reviews of their closed cases. This initiative is part of the government’s broader mission to halve violence against women and girls and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
Key Measures in the Plan
- Independent Case Reviews
Survivors and victims of grooming gangs and child sexual abuse can now request a review of their closed cases by an independent criminal justice review panel. This includes cases that were not prosecuted by police or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). - Funding for Investigations
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has allocated £2.5 million to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to re-examine unsolved grooming gang cases and strengthen investigations. - Support for Local Inquiries
An additional £5 million will be provided to support victim-centred, locally led inquiries in collaboration with councils and independent experts. Pilot areas, including Oldham, will implement a new framework designed to ensure justice for survivors. - Comprehensive Audit
A rapid national audit led by Baroness Louise Casey will analyze the scale and profile of group-based child sexual abuse offences. This will provide law enforcement with the necessary data to tackle these crimes effectively. The audit, set to last three months, will focus on both existing cases and systemic failings.
Government Commitment
Speaking in the House of Commons, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the government’s dedication to protecting children and addressing past failings.
“Too many victims have been ignored, and perpetrators left unpunished. This action plan is about empowering survivors, uncovering the truth, and ensuring justice is delivered.”
Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, reiterated the importance of swift action:
“We are working quickly to ensure survivors can seek justice, urging police to revisit unsolved cases and empowering victims to be at the heart of this process.”
Statistics Highlight the Need for Action
- In 2023, over 115,000 child sexual exploitation and abuse offences were recorded in the UK, including more than 4,000 group-based offending cases.
- Of these, around 700 were linked to grooming gang offences. However, the true scale of abuse is believed to be significantly underestimated.
Enhanced Police Resources
The government will also invest:
- £.
- £5 million in the Child Abuse Image Database (CAID) to combat the spread of abusive content.
Support from National and Local Leaders
Assistant Chief Constable Rebecca Riggs and Richard Fewkes, Director of the Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce, welcomed the plan:
“This investment equips us with additional tools and resources to support victims and strengthen collaboration with partners.”
Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, added:
“These measures will empower victims to achieve the justice they deserve and support police in their vital work.”
Next Steps
By Easter 2025, the government plans to publish a clear timetable for implementing the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). This includes mandatory reporting of sexual abuse and stricter sentencing for grooming offences.
The action plan marks a significant step forward in addressing historical injustices and ensuring the safety of vulnerable children across the UK. Survivors and victims are encouraged to come forward and engage with the newly established review processes.
