The cost of CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

AS WELL AS THE HUMAN TOLL, THESE HORRIFIC ACTS HAVE A WIDER ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT

THE long-term impact of child sexual abuse amounts to the equivalent of billions of pounds - much of it borne by the victims themselves.

Research published by the Home Office examined the costs relating to all children who began to experience sexual abuse, or who continued to experience sexual abuse, in England and Wales in the year ending 31st March 2019.

The report estimated these costs to be at least £10.1 billion - or the equivalent of £89,240 for each of the 113,144 victims identified during the year, over the course of their lifetime.

The estimate includes ‘financial’ costs, which are the direct cash and budget costs, as well as ‘nonfinancial’ costs, representing estimated harm in monetary terms.

Some of these costs are absorbed by the government in the form of police response, trials and prisons, while other aspects are covered by the voluntary sector in the form of victim services, training and educational prevention.

However, the monetary equivalent of the physical and emotional harm caused, along with reduced earning potential in later life, account for 64% of the total - meaning the majority of the cost is borne by victims and survivors.

The authors of this report say they are aware that the research may seem reductive to those that have experienced child sexual abuse - and of course there are profound human costs to victims and survivors.

However, assessing the economic and social cost of child sexual abuse allows them to demonstrate the impact in a clear and quantifiable manner.

Their estimate is the most comprehensive yet, but it is a conservative one.

While the £10.1 billion estimate of the cost of child sexual abuse may appear large, it is likely to be an underestimate of the true cost.

Pierre Hyman, senior policy and public affairs officer at the NSPCC, said: “This data shows the vast economic and societal impact of child sexual abuse.

“However, as the report highlights, financial costs are nothing compared to the human cost suffered by a child who has been abused.

“It’s vital that through the upcoming Victims’ Bill the Government improves the support available to help children who have suffered sexual abuse recover.

“This should include giving easy access to therapeutic support and specialist independent sexual violence advisors skilled at helping young victims navigate the criminal justice system.

“The establishment of more

Child Houses, which bring health, care and criminal justice services together under one roof, would also be hugely beneficial to child victims of sexual abuse.”