This week, alongside the Children’s Coalition, NYAS were proud to invite young survivors of abuse to the House of Commons to speak to MPs and House of Lords Peers about the changes they want to see from the Victims and Prisoners Bill.
Background
The Victims and Prisoners Bill is a landmark piece of legislation which could transform the criminal justice system and support services for children and young victims of crime. However, the Bill currently fails to recognise and promote the voices of young survivors, provide adequate victim support or ensure that young survivors' needs are met through robust accountability measures.
Postcode Lottery of Support
Access to specialised support for children and young survivors of crime and abuse is currently unequal and often unavailable across England and Wales. The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse estimates that while over half a million children each year are suffering from the impacts of sexual abuse and crime, many of these children will not be able to access the support or recovery services they need. Data collected from the NSPCC in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request shows that only 23% of local authorities in England and Wales reported providing dedicated support to young victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
Survivors Event
The event at the House of Commons provided an opportunity for young survivors to speak directly to Parliamentarians and peers about their own experiences, leading calls for amendments that will put children and young people at the heart of the Bill. The young survivors spoke powerfully about their experiences and the room was in awe of their strength and determination to reform the criminal justice system. The night ended with a speech from Jess Philips MP, a powerful advocate for young survivors of abuse.
Members of the Children's Coalition stand united at the House of Commons calling for reform of the Victims and Prisoners Bill.
Coalition Asks
The Victims and Prisoners Bill is an opportunity to put children and young people at the heart of reforming the criminal justice system. Through our work with the Children’s Coalition, NYAS is committed to making this a reality. The Children’s Coalition is united in calling for the Victims and Prisoners Bill to:
- Recognising children as victims in their own right and for a definition of this to be added to the Bill.
- Placing a duty on the three authorities named in the bill to consult with providers of services supporting children.
- Include transparent accountability measures to ensure victims’ rights are delivered.
For more information on how to support the Victims and Prisoners Bill, please contact: phoebe.white@nyas.net.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by abuse or crime, please contact Childline on 0800 111 or NYAS' Helpline on 0808 808 1001.
The Children’s Coalition is made up of NYAS, NSPCC, Action for Children, the Children’s Society, Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, National Children’s Bureau and Just for Kids Law.
