If you are affected by anything you read here, you can contact us. We are here for you.
[Content warning – child sexual abuse]
This week (16th September) it was announced that BBC presenter Huw Edwards was given a six-month suspended sentence, after admitting accessing indecent photographs of children.
The sentence given undermines the severity of these crimes and sends a dangerous message to the public that they are not taken seriously.
While the courts take into account the character of the perpetrator, the fact they have no previous convictions and whether they show remorse, they seemingly fail to consider the immense impact these crimes have on the victims and survivors whose rape sexual abuse was documented and circulated for the gratification of adult men.
Child rape and sexual abuse is horrifyingly common, with an estimated 500,000 children in England and Wales experiencing some form of sexual abuse each year. In the year 2022-23, over 18,000 children and young people accessed accredited Rape Crisis Centres to receive specialist support. 1 in 4 adults who use Rape Crisis services are survivors of child rape and sexual abuse: because of the significant trauma caused by it, support is often needed at different stages throughout the life course.
For some survivors, accessing justice is a key aspect of coming to terms with the impact of sexual violence and abuse, so it is crucially important that the system delivers justice for them. Currently, it is failing.
We know that for victims and survivors, coverage of this case is very difficult. If you have been impacted by the details of this case, we are here for you.
If you want to read more about the work we are doing to influence and create change in the criminal justice system, see:
- Our analysis of the Rape Review’s progress
- Our report into the causes and consequences of trial delays
- Our campaign for safe access to counselling for survivors in the justice system