Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse on the Horizon in England and Wales

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In a significant move aimed at tackling child sexual abuse, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans to introduce mandatory reporting of abuse claims in England and Wales. This legislation, expected to be included in the upcoming crime and policing bill in spring, will impose criminal sanctions on professionals who fail to report allegations of child sexual abuse.

The announcement responds to the recommendations of Prof. Alexis Jay’s inquiry into child sexual abuse, which highlighted the lack of action taken by some professionals in positions of trust. Cooper criticized the previous government's delays in addressing this issue, citing it as a critical area needing reform since the Rotherham scandal a decade ago.

In addition to mandatory reporting, the government plans to establish a victims and survivors panel, classify grooming as an aggravating factor in child sexual offences, and create a core dataset for understanding child abuse and protection metrics. These measures aim to enhance the legal framework and protect vulnerable children more effectively.

Under the proposed legislation, professionals, including doctors and teachers, who neglect their duty to report claims of abuse may face criminal charges. This is a shift from previous proposals that would have limited accountability and required "hard evidence" before reporting, a standard criticized by campaigners.

As the bill prepares to go before Parliament, Cooper emphasized the urgency in implementing these reforms to ensure the safety and protection of children in the UK.

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