Protecting children from harm

A critical assessment of child sexual abuse in the family network in England and priorities for action

This first report of the Children’s Commissioner’s inquiry into child sex abuse within the family and its network, gives a critical analysis of the scale and nature of this form of child sex abuse. It provides statistics about the extent of abuse known to authorities and estimates of the extent to which such abuse goes unreported. It reveals that:

The Children’s Commissioner has called for urgent action to improve the prevention and early identification of child sex abuse and the support provided for victims.

Downloads

The report has been added to the library section of this site and can also be downloaded here:

• Full original report 
• Summary (shorter) version  
• Version for children and young people

You can also view our press release which accompanied the report publication, and responses to the report from professionals in the field.