The children's commissioner for England, Anne Longfield, has condemned draft government rules that could deny compensation to child sexual abuse victims as young as 12 on the grounds that they 'consented' to the abuse. She has called on Justice Secretary David Lidington to rewrite the 'deeply shocking' guidelines drawn up by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Longfield stated that the rules are 'at odds with the law, public opinion, and the government's own definition of child abuse', which acknowledges that exploitation can still be abuse even if the sexual activity appears consensual. She highlighted that victims of child-grooming rings are most likely to be refused compensation, with many claims already rejected, according to specialist child abuse lawyers.
The commissioner cited the case of Sammy Woodhouse, abused as a child by a Rotherham grooming gang and initially denied compensation, as 'just the tip of the iceberg'. She emphasised that the law sets the age of consent at 16, and it is an offence for those in positions of trust to engage in sexual activity with under-18s.
Longfield urged Lidington to ensure the new guidance does not 'fail victims and add insult to injury', adding to pressure from MPs. The CICA began reviewing its guidelines in July after it emerged that nearly 700 child victims had been denied payments. The NSPCC also plans to write to the CICA, stating it is 'outrageous' to suggest children can consent to abuse.
Longfield noted that compensation is about more than money; it is formal recognition from the justice system that victims are believed. Many victims leave school without qualifications and face low-paid work or unemployment. 'A few thousand pounds can help turn around a life,' she said, citing examples of victims using compensation to attend university or start businesses.
