Child sexual abuse: Mother reveals trauma of court delays after her ex-husband sexually abused her daughter | UK News

A mother has told of the trauma her young daughter went through after 18 months of waiting for her father to be found guilty of child molestation – as one report found it took years for cases to be resolved. end.

Erin, not her real name, discovered her ex-husband had sexually abused 7-year-old daughter Ivy, a pseudonym, for at least 4 years in the spring of 2021.

He was ultimately imprisoned for 17 years in September 2022 – but taking a year and a half to get there left his family in limbo, who had to look over their shoulder as he was free to live his life. mine.

Erin speaks for the first time, exclusively for Sky News, in the form of a new report that collates all the latest available information child sexual abuse data is released.

Child Sexual Abuse Specialist Center (CSA Center) established in 2021/2022:

• It took an average of 614 days from reporting child sexual abuse to court conclusion
• Number of cases recorded in England and Wales increased by 15%
• Police recorded more than 100,000 violations for the first time (103,055)
• Sexual assault referral centers, which provide medical and forensic assistance to victims, had first contact with 8,213 children last year – a 13% increase from the previous year.

Survey data also shows that at least 1 in 10 children in England and Wales are sexually abused before the age of 16, so the vast majority of cases go unreported.

One possible reason is the long delay in the justice system.

Things he asked her to do

Erin told Sky News: “When she told me, everything was falling apart, everything, the things that he, they did together, sleeping without pajamas, in the same bed, things. he asked her to do. , the things he did to her, the inappropriate touches and all in one rush.”

The horrified mother immediately alerted the police and her ex-husband, Ivy’s father, was arrested – officers later found indecent child pictures of other children on his computer from 14 years ago, before the couple met.

Her daughter had to undergo a forensic examination at a rape center run by a male doctor.

Erin said: “That was the hardest part of all, she looked so tiny, she had to take all her clothes off and wrap herself under this adult size dress.

“Doctor, I’m sure he’s adorable but he’s so tall and has a very strong voice, she’s scared. She has to lie there and have her vagina examined, that’s the worst part of it.”

Ivy’s father, who Erin said seemed like a good father and had a high-powered job, was released on bail after three months and then he was restrained from going near her home or school.

But, even though Erin knew he had a new car, the police wouldn’t tell her what it was or where he lived. For a year and a half – until he was prosecuted – she relentlessly watched and tried to protect Ivy.

They let someone dangerous for children roam free

Detectives went silent after the initial interview and Erin said they didn’t return her calls when she had questions, which made her feel “like time stood still”. She even made sure Ivy’s passport wasn’t in the house in case he showed up.

He was free to live and work before being charged – then at one point he was unable to attend a police interview and continued on the run.

“To my mind, they let one person out there, dangerous to children, roam free and unhindered for 18 months,” she said.

“They kept saying: ‘Well, you should be grateful, that’s really quick, you should be grateful.'”

In the end, Ivy’s father pleaded guilty and served 17 years in prison.

Erin said she believes he pleaded guilty so his crimes were not revealed in court in front of his family. A trial would prolong the case further.

‘The court delay is completely unacceptable’

Ian Dean, director of the CSA Center, told Sky News: “It is completely unacceptable that some children have to wait up to two years to hear their case be closed in court.

“For any victim of sexual abuse, the wait will be important, but for a child, it’s enormous.

“I’m really concerned that a delay of this magnitude will put people off.”

The CSA Center is pushing the government to conduct a regular popularity survey to determine how many children are being sexually abused because it believes the data available is just the tip of the iceberg.

It is also calling for more training for social workers because many do not have formal training to recognize when child sexual abuse may occur.

Ian Critchley, child protection leader for the National Council of Chiefs of Police, told Sky News that the full impact of the COVID lockdown on child abuse is also a major concern and “could take a lot of time”. years to fully understand”.

He said police are investing in training and resources for those working in the field and are also trying to increase their data collection so that trends can be easily understood.

He added: “The fight against child sexual abuse will never stop and these most recent numbers reinforce that all of us in society must focus our efforts on these terrible crimes. , crimes that can cause lifelong harm to children.”

Defense Minister Sarah Dines told Sky News: “Child sexual abuse is a terrible, devastating crime that targets the most vulnerable in our society and this government is determined to tackle it. this problem.

“I welcome this report, sponsored by the Department of Home Affairs-funded Child Sexual Abuse Specialist Center, which recognizes improvements in identification and reporting.

“However, the prevalence of these heinous crimes is disturbing and we will not give up any obstacle in pursuing offenders and keeping children safe.

“We are putting the needs of the victims at the heart of this work, including investing £477 million over three years to reduce wait times for victims.”

Anyone with any concerns about their child’s welfare can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected].

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.