The Welsh Government has today launched a consultation on its new
ten-year strategy to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse,
the first comprehensive long-term strategy of its kind in the UK.
This strategy, which will run from 2025 to 2035, represents a
commitment to tackling child sexual abuse through a whole-system
approach focused on prevention, protection, and support.
While other UK nations have implemented shorter-term action
plans, Wales is the first to develop a decade-long strategic
vision.
The strategy acknowledges that the scale and nature of child
sexual abuse has evolved considerably in recent years,
particularly in online spaces.
Research shows approximately 25,000 children in Wales experience
some form of sexual abuse each year, yet only a fraction come to
the attention of police or social services.
The strategy has been co-produced with adult victim-survivors,
the NSPCC, the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse,
Barnardo's, and the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, ensuring it is
grounded in lived experience and expert insight.
It is built around four strategic outcomes - Prevent child sexual
abuse; Protect children affected by abuse; Support children and
families to recover and Support adult victim-survivors to
recover.
This strategy will also be key in further delivery on
recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual
Abuse (IICSA) and builds upon work already undertaken under the
previous National Action Plan. It also contributes to the
implementation of findings from Baroness Casey's report on
group-based exploitation.
, Minister for Children and
Social Care, said:
“We must do all we can to tackle the heinous crime of child
sexual abuse. By developing the UK's first ten-year strategy in
this area, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to
protecting children and supporting survivors throughout their
lives.
"The voices of people who have been affected by sexual abuse are
central to this strategy and how it is delivered.
“I encourage individuals, organisations, and communities across
Wales to share their views and help shape this vital work.”
The consultation will run until 15 September 2025 and can be
found on the Welsh Government website at: Consultations | GOV.WALES.
Notes to editors
Additional quotes:
-
Ian Dean, Director of the Centre of Expertise on Child
Sexual Abuse said: “The CSA Centre were delighted to
be involved in the drafting of this ambitious strategy for
Wales, which presents the Welsh Government's vision for a
comprehensive, cross-government and whole system approach to
tackle child sexual abuse in all its forms. Of course, the
power of any strategy lies in its delivery, so we urge anyone
with an interest in this area, particularly those with
safeguarding responsibilities or with experience of abuse
themselves, to respond to this consultation and help to ensure
the work is as far reaching and as impactful as possible.”
-
Sharron Wareham, Children's Service Manager for
Barnardo's Better Futures, said: “We're delighted to
see publication of the Child Sexual Abuse draft 10-Year
Strategy, which marks a significant moment for practitioners,
parents and children in Wales. We are pleased to have supported
the development of a bold and innovative Strategy which takes a
truly 360 view of child sexual abuse and, for the first time,
places renewed focus on adult survivors of sexual abuse. It is
vital that they have the support they need, as well as ensuring
children are supported both when they have been harmed and
caused harm. We look forward to supporting the implementation
of the Strategy, which will be key in delivering strong,
sustainable Child Sexual Abuse support services for children
and adults in Wales.”
-
Claire Short, National Manager, Lucy Faithfull
Foundation Cymru said: “Alongside key partners and
stakeholders, Lucy Faithfull Foundation Cymru is delighted to
have helped shape the Welsh Government's new 10- year strategy
to prevent child sexual abuse in Wales. Preventing all
forms of sexual abuse before they happen is at the heart of the
strategy. This strategy is a long-term commitment that will
strengthen the work that is needed to tackle child sexual
abuse. Everyone has their part to play."
-
Cecile Gwilym, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for
the NSPCC in Wales said: “NSPCC Cymru welcomes the
launch of the Welsh Government consultation on its ten-year
strategy aimed at preventing and responding to child sexual
abuse. We are pleased to have helped scope out existing gaps in
policy and practice and are supportive of the strategy's public
health approach, which places the responsibility for tackling
child sexual abuse with everybody. The strategy must deliver
positive change on the ground, particularly ensuring that
parents, professionals and communities are confident to
recognise and act where there are concerns of child sexual
abuse. We will be responding to the consultation in full.”
- Support services for those affected by child sexual abuse
include Childline (0800 1111) and the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse
Helpline (0808 500 2222)
