Government rejects IICSA compensation proposals

The long-awaited response from the Government regarding the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has been met with disappointment, as officials have rejected all twenty recommendations stemming from the extensive eight-year investigation. The inquiry, which gathered a wealth of evidence and numerous testimonials from survivors of childhood rape and abuse, aimed to highlight the long-lasting impact of sexual abuse and advocate for necessary reforms to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS).

Kim Harrison, president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and a specialist child abuse lawyer, expressed her frustration at the decision, stating “The Government has effectively dumped the recommendations on its ‘too hard’ pile, thereby brushing away victims and survivors as an inconvenience.” This sentiment underscores the disappointment felt within the survivor community, who had hoped for progress towards justice and recognition of their suffering.

“The recommendations are based on a wealth of evidence and thousands of testimonials from survivors of childhood rape and abuse gathered over the best part of a decade," Ms Harrison emphasised, stressing the need for the Government to consider these insights seriously. She added, “After all that, survivors deserve more than a simple rejection.”

The implications of the Government's decision are profound, particularly in relation to the treatment of online sexual abuse. Harrison noted, “Sexual grooming of children online can cause deep and lasting harm. IICSA was quite clear that this and other forms of online sexual abuse should be included in the scope of the scheme." Many advocates fear that excluding such experiences undermines the reality for countless survivors.

Additionally, the continuation of a controversial rule that disallows compensation for survivors with criminal records, even when the offences are linked to their childhood abuse, has drawn further condemnation. “IICSA recognised that being raped and sexually abused as a child has a lasting effect on the paths people take,” Harrison pointed out, emphasising the need for a more compassionate approach.

Furthermore, Harrison proposed simple adjustments that could be made, stating, “It would also be very simple for the Government to extend the time limit of the compensation scheme to seven years to apply for redress, as we know that survivors of child abuse often take longer than other victims of crime to take that step.” The refusal to adopt any of the reform ideas from IICSA leaves many survivors feeling abandoned.

APIL, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting victims, engaged actively with the IICSA and subsequent Ministry of Justice consultations, bringing survivor voices to the forefront since the inquiry's establishment in 2014. The Government's rejection of these recommendations signals a significant setback in the ongoing fight for justice and reform for the survivors of childhood abuse in the UK.