Inquiry told abuse affects one in eight children

MORE than one in eight children in well-off countries around the world say they have experienced some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime, Scotland’s child abuse inquiry has heard.

Even more – one in five – has been at the receiving end of violence from a parent or caregiver, the inquiry was told. The hearing heard claims there is a “huge gap” between the cases known about by authorities and what children actually report when they are questioned in a confidential survey.

The evidence emerged on the second day of the public hearing phase of the inquiry in Edinburgh.

More than 60 residential institutions, including several top private schools, are being investigated by the inquiry, chaired by Lady Smith.

Professor Lorraine Radford, of the University of Central Lancashire, carried out a review for the inquiry of various pieces of research on abuse.

Summarising her review of 31 global studies, focusing on “high income” countries, her report stated: “Globally, more than one in eight (12.7per cent) of children and young people say they have experienced sexual abuse. More than one in five (22.6per cent) say they have experienced physical violence from a parent or caregiver.”

During questioning by Colin MacAulay QC, counsel to the inquiry, Ms Radford said: “Despite over 200 years of awareness about child abuse, we know that it’s globally still very prevalent and it’s very prevalent still in high-income countries.”

The research found boys and girls are equally likely to be victims of maltreatment by a parent or caregiver.

The inquiry continues today.