Insights from 643 Victims and Survivors who Reported Experiences of Childhood Sexual Violence in the UK
- Protect Children
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
REPORT
Our Voice Survivors in the UK: Experiences of Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
New #OurVoice report presenting insights from 643 victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence in the United Kingdom in response to the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey, highlighting the urgent need for stronger prevention, support and healing systems in the UK that effectively respond to the needs of victims and survivors and prevent future harm.
This report has been researched and written by Eva Díaz Bethencourt, Lea Kamitz, Katariina Leivo, Tegan Insoll, Anna Ovaska, Valeriia Soloveva, Samantha Lundrigan, Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen.
«I feel a bit sad for the child I was, but I am very glad to be able to give evidence of my experience to help inform others and build knowledge internationally about sexual abuse of children. The perpetrators should not be able to hide in the shadows created by our discomfort talking about the appalling things they do.» Quote from survivor in response to the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey. |
The data analysis of the report was conducted in collaboration with the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI), and present groundbreaking findings:
Many survivors experienced sexual violence at a very young age, between 3-9 years old.
Most survivors experienced multiple types of sexual abuse.
Nine out of ten survivors report the perpetrator was someone within their circle of trust.
Many survivors who disclose report they did so more than 21 years after the sexual violence took place.
Survivors endure long-lasting consequences as a result of the CSAE they experienced
Most survivors do not receive support for coping with the impacts of the abuse.
The findings presented by Protect Children and IPPPRI underscore the urgent need for stronger, trauma-informed prevention and response systems in the UK. By taking decisive, survivor-centred action now, the UK can move toward a future where children are protected from harm, survivors are treated with dignity and care, and the systemic conditions that allow sexual violence against children to persist are dismantled.
About the International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI)
The International Policing and Public Protection Research Institute (IPPPRI) is part of Anglia Ruskin University. Its vision is to use applied research to support the global response to exploitation and abuse in all its forms. IPPPRI's team of researchers are committed to delivering world-leading research innovation with international impact. Its work focuses on a range of pressing public protection issues including online child sexual abuse, workforce wellbeing, extremism and counter-terrorism and victim-survivor advocacy and support.
About the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey
The Global Our Voice Survivor Survey is directed at individuals over the age of 18 who have been subjected to sexual violence in childhood. The primary aim of the global Our Voice survivor survey is to raise the voice and wisdom of those who have been subjected to sexual violence in their childhood. The valuable data and information we are collecting through this survey will be used to strengthen child protection measures and victims' rights.
This survey is conducted by Protect Children with support from the Justice Initiative.