Efforts to Tackle Child Abuse "Still Too Patchy" Says Nspcc Adviser

By David Lindsell
Sutton Guardian
March 19, 2015

http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/NEWS/11864586.Efforts_to_tackle_child_abuse__still_too_patchy__says_NSPCC_adviser/

Efforts to tackle child sexual exploition and abuse are progressing but they are still "too patchy" according to charity NSPCC.

Jon Brown, a qualified social worker and head of strategy for the NSPCC, made his comments on national child sexual exploitation awareness (CSE) day.

The Metropolitan Police and others have used today to highlight the work they are doing, including jailing 77 perpetrators, but also in training everyone from taxi drivers to pub and hotel staff to identify victims.

Mr Brown said: "Progress is definitely being made but it is patchy."

He said: "It is a national issue and a national problem. That's been reflected in recent cases. The response to that at local authority level continues to be patchy."

Preventing and disrupting sexual abuse and providing therapy for victims were important, he said.

Each council should have a risk register, a child sexual exploitation strategy, and be providing early 'age appropriate' sexual education in schools from the age of 5 on issues like consent, according to Mr Brown.

He added: "Known individuals, families and and communities should know they are being watched and they don't feel as if they are above the law and feel they can get away with it.

"We have heard of some perpetrators say they feel they were above the law and told their victims that nothing will happen, no-one will believe you."

He also welcomed the announcement in today's budget of more money for young poeple's mental health.

Operation Makesafe was launched today by the Metropolitan Police, who are currently investigating allegations on behalf of the Independent Police Complaints Commission, allegations that its officers covered or suppressed investigations into sexual abuse between the 1970s and 2000.