UK Prioritizes Money Over Children in New Sexual Abuse Reporting Law
The UK faces criticism for prioritizing financial protections over child safety amid calls for mandatory reporting of sexual abuse.
UK, Child Sexual Abuse, Mandatory Reporting, Baroness Grey-Thompson, Keir Starmer
London: There’s a big conversation happening in the UK about how the country seems to care more about money than protecting kids. In Parliament, they’re pushing for a new law that would make it mandatory for people working with children to report any suspected sexual abuse.
Baroness Grey-Thompson, who’s been leading the charge on this, pointed out that we’ve had laws for money laundering for over two decades. She’s saying it’s time to step up and protect our most vulnerable, especially kids who might be facing abuse.
She believes that while this new law won’t completely stop abuse, it will definitely give kids better protection than they have now. It’s all about making sure that those in charge of kids, like teachers and coaches, have a legal duty to report any concerns.
Interestingly, she noted that for years, the system has been more focused on protecting money than children. It’s a bit ironic, right? The Proceeds of Crime Act has had mandatory reporting for money laundering, but we’re just now talking about doing the same for child abuse.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is on board with this idea, and the government plans to include it in upcoming legislation. The Bill aims to make it a crime not to report genuine concerns about child abuse, while also protecting those who do report in good faith.
Lady Grey-Thompson emphasized that this isn’t about punishing everyday people who might not report abuse, but rather holding accountable those in positions of authority. It’s about making sure they speak up for the kids.
Even the Church of England is getting involved, with the Bishop of London acknowledging past failures in safeguarding and promising to consider new proposals that include mandatory reporting.
There’s a real sense of urgency here. Former children’s TV presenter Baroness Benjamin pointed out that victims have been waiting far too long for action. It’s time to make sure they’re heard and protected.