The Children’s Commissioner for England has published a report on advocacy support during the criminal justice process for children who have experienced sexual and domestic abuse. The Commissioner examined data from all police forces in England and Wales to find out more about advocacy support services for children. Findings include: most police forces do not collect data on whether children are referred onto advocacy support services; the majority of child victims of sexual or domestic abuse receive no support from Child/Independent Sexual Violence Advisers; and very few advocates have the distinct training and qualifications needed to effectively support child victims of the most serious crimes.
Read the report: Thousands of child abuse victims forced to navigate criminal justice system without support
Source: Children’s Commissioner for England
Date: 16 April 2024
