Wales launches first UK decade-long strategy to tackle child sexual abuse
Wales has become the first nation in the UK to launch a ten-year strategy on child sexual abuse, with the Welsh Government publishing the plan today.
The Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse 2026 to 2036 is accompanied by a three-year delivery plan setting out specific actions for the period ahead.
It is estimated that 25,000 children and young people are sexually abused each year in Wales.
The strategy has been co-produced with adult victim-survivors and organisations including the NSPCC, the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, Barnardo’s and the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
It is built around four objectives: preventing abuse before it happens through awareness and education; ensuring professionals act quickly when concerns about a child’s safety are raised; providing timely support for children and families affected; and offering ongoing help for adults who were abused as children.
The strategy covers abuse in online and offline settings, and within families, institutions, peer groups and communities.
Advisory groups for children and young people, and for adult victim-survivors, will inform delivery throughout the ten-year period.
The three-year delivery plan includes national awareness campaigns, improved professional training, and strengthened support services.
Minister for Children and Social Care Dawn Bowden said: “Child sexual abuse is abhorrent. Its impact can be life-altering, affecting a person long into adulthood. This strategy represents our unwavering commitment to tackling this issue head-on and a whole-system approach where everyone works together towards the same goal is central to achieving our objectives. I am deeply grateful to the victim-survivors with lived experience who have courageously helped shape this work as well as organisations who provide vital support.”
Cecile Gwilym, policy and public affairs manager for NSPCC Cymru, welcomed the plan but said sustained commitment would be needed to deliver it.
She said: “Thousands of children and young people in Wales are sexually abused on and offline every year. Its impact on victims can last a lifetime, affecting psychological and physical well-being and family relationships. But child sexual abuse can be prevented, and this strategy is an extremely important step to addressing this devastating crime — involving a public health approach that sets out everybody’s responsibilities in tackling it across prevention, protection and support.”
She added: “For this Strategy to deliver against its vision and deliver positive change on the ground, it is vital that there is continued commitment from all parties in the next Senedd, underpinned by adequate funding and resource.”
Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Childline is available 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or via online chat at childline.org.uk.
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