Laura Sharman 07 November 2019

Abuse ‘endemic’ in children’s homes

An independent inquiry has found physical and sexual abuse were endemic in children’s homes and residential care homes.

As part of the Truth Project, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse spoke to nearly 200 victims to examine abuse in residential care homes.

It discovered four out of ten children who were sexually abused in residential care were also victims of physical abuse. A third of victims were afraid to report the abuse due to a fear of retribution.

The inquiry found nearly half of the victims were sexually abused by a residential care worker, with abuse taking place in communal areas such as bathrooms and shower rooms.

Dr Verena Brähler, head of research at the Inquiry, said: ‘In this report, ‘unsafe’, ‘cruel’ and ‘violent’ are the words used by victims and survivors to describe their experience of living in children’s homes and residential care. Participants’ accounts were examined to provide a more in-depth insight into abuse in these settings, with many reporting that physical and sexual abuse were embedded and accepted within the institution.

‘It’s clear that concerns about retribution were a significant obstacle to children disclosing abuse, as was a fear of not being believed.

Beth Mooney and Grace Ablett examine the extent of child sexual abuse in children’s homes and residential care.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HDRC Partnerships Officer

Essex County Council
£26786.00 - £31512.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
HDRC Partnerships OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,786 to £31,512 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Delivery Lead

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Lead the daily operations of our SEN service, ensuring every child receives the support they deserve. Working as an SEN Delivery Lead means being at t England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Complex Case Officer (SEN)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support children and young people with complex needs, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time. Working as a Complex Case Officer in ou England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Events Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £18.28 per hour
Events Officer- Harlow District CouncilHarlow, Essex Full time, Temporary £18.28 per hour PAYE Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cleaner

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role with great benefits? Darlington, Durham
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner