Immediate action is to be taken to address risks identified in the first phase of an independent national review into responses to group based child sexual abuse and exploitation in Scotland.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth told the Scottish Parliament that the inspectorate led review will now move forward at pace, with a focus on detailed scrutiny of how local councils assess threats and risks linked to group based child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Further phases of the review will follow, with ministers planning to provide a fuller update to Parliament by the end of February.
Alongside the review, the Scottish Government confirmed an additional £220,000 of funding will be invested this financial year to strengthen support for victims and families affected by sexual offending.
The funding will also be used to improve professional training on responding to sexual harm and to enhance Police Scotland’s forensic capabilities.
The Cabinet Secretaries for Education and Skills and for Justice and Home Affairs have also jointly written to the Cross Party Group on Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse to request a meeting with survivors in the new year.
The Education Secretary confirmed that the Scottish Government supports mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse in principle.
The National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group has agreed to consider next steps for developing options on mandatory reporting in Scotland.
The group will also examine how survivors can be involved in future work in a trauma informed and appropriate way.
Jenny Gilruth said the Government was determined to establish the scale and nature of child sexual abuse in Scotland’s recent past.
“The Scottish Government is taking determined action to establish the potential extent and scale of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Scotland’s recent past.”
“Those who have suffered, as victims of child sexual abuse, have been let down by a system which should have protected them.
“We must ensure that survivors’ experience is at the heart of our considerations, their voices must be heard and be listened to.”
She said the review and related work would inform decisions on whether further action is required.
“The National Review, Police Scotland’s ongoing work, and the advice of the National Strategic Group chaired by Professor Jay, will gather evidence, help us to take action where it is needed now, and inform advice to Ministers on whether a national inquiry on group based child sexual abuse and exploitation is required.”
Organisations working directly with those affected by sexual harm have welcomed the additional funding.
Stuart Allardyce, Director of Lucy Faithfull Foundation Scotland, said demand for services continues to rise.
“Demand for our services to prevent child sexual abuse keeps rising.
“Each year, more adults concerned about their behaviour, young people who have caused sexual harm to others, and families affected by a loved one’s arrest turn to us for help.”
He said the funding would have an immediate impact.
“This funding is a lifeline that will enable additional groupwork sessions this financial year, so no one has to wait for support, and allows us to extend our helpline hours to those across Scotland who need our services.
“It’s a vital boost that shows the Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting children from harm.”
Ministers say the combined approach of immediate action, survivor engagement, and longer term review is intended to ensure better protection for children and clearer accountability across public services.
