Goddard RESIGNS as Child Abuse Inquiry Chair

04 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by Natasha in child abuse inquiry, Researching Reform

In another hugely disappointing turn for the nation’s Independent Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse, Chair Lowell Goddard has just handed in her resignation.

Giving no reason for the decision, she simply asks the Home Secretary to accept her decision to resign with immediate effect.

Some are speculating that the move is a reaction to the recent criticism over Justice Goddard’s decision to take a three month holiday since first being appointed as Inquiry Chair. Others have suggested that the press interest in her confusion over British law, reluctance to fully incorporate survivors within the Inquiry and questionable rank within the New Zealand judiciary could be factors in her departure.

Whatever the reason, Researching Reform takes the view that the Inquiry urgently needs to rethink its core PR strategy and start to engage with the public at large, not as a means of gaining popularity, but as a crucial tool to gain the trust and respect of the nation and most importantly the survivors both taking part in the Inquiry, and watching on.

Whoever takes up the mantle must inspire confidence and not be afraid to let in the world as the Inquiry does its work.

Good luck, contestant number four.

Lowell Goddard

New Research: 1 in 14 Adults Sexually Abused As A child

04 Thursday Aug 2016

Posted by Natasha in Research, Researching Reform

≈ 6 Comments

The ONS’s Crime Survey For England and Wales has for the first time included in depth data relating to child sexual abuse.

The Survey, which was published last month, tells us:

11% of women and 3% of men said they were sexually assaulted during their childhood
567,000 females aged between 16 and 59, suffered sexual assault by rape or penetration, as minors
102,000 males aged between 16 and 59, suffered sexual assault by rape or penetration, as minors
Women were significantly more likely to report they had been an abuse victim than men
Individuals blamed for psychological or physical abuse were most likely to be the person’s parents
Rape and penetration attack survivors said the most likely attacker was a friend or acquaintance (30%) or other family member (26%)
3 out of 4 victims of sexual assault said they did not report what happened at the time. The most common reason given was “embarrassment or humiliation, or thinking that they would not be believed.”
42% of assaults were carried out by strangers

Politicians and child welfare charities are calling on the government to look into more ways to tackle ongoing child sexual abuse.

The “10-15 Year olds Survey” is also interesting, and very worth while, as it highlights the little known fact that 10-15 year olds are more likely to be a victim of violent crime than adults are. The survey is designed to look at crime, bullying, thoughts on the police, and steps taken to keep belongings safe and its findings will be used to prevent crimes against children.

CS ONS