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IICSA published its final Report in October 2022. This website was last updated in January 2023.

6.1 Cultural

The attitudes, behaviours and values that prevent institutions from responding effectively to child sexual abuse.

Summary of key messages

  • The most common ways of thinking about child sexual abuse have deflected responsibility away from perpetrators and institutions, denied that harm is caused, and failed to accept that sexual abuse has taken place.

  • Society is still reluctant to discuss child sexual abuse openly and frankly ‒ this must change to better protect children.

Child sexual abuse is talked about and understood in different ways. Groups in society ‒ including professionals working with children, the media, the law and in Government ‒ have different ways of thinking about child sexual abuse. Their views are informed by their own experiences and perspectives and the debates that take place about child sexual abuse. These ways of thinking include how and why child sexual abuse takes place, who perpetrates child sexual abuse, and what effect child sexual abuse has on victims and survivors. In turn, these ways of thinking influence how people respond to child sexual abuse, including how to prevent it. It also has a direct impact on the responses institutions have to child sexual abuse. The Inquiry examined this issue at a seminar on social and political narratives in February 2018.[1]

Research conducted for the Inquiry to support the seminar sought to identify the different discourses ‒ that is, ideas, perspectives or ways of thinking ‒ about child sexual abuse.[2] It identified three ‘dominant’ categories of discourses that deflect responsibility from the perpetrator or the institutions involved, deny that harm is caused to victims and survivors, and refuse to accept that abuse has taken place.

A second category of ‘counter’ discourses was identified: these challenged these views and prioritised the voices of victims and survivors, highlighting the role of power in the sexual abuse of children and the importance of supporting victims and survivors of abuse. Importantly, the research did not suggest a clear pattern of progression over time ‒ the dominant discourses continue to be readily recognisable today (for example, in media reporting).

The seminar considered what steps could be taken to increase understanding about child sexual abuse within society. Seminar participants made it clear that the language society uses and its understanding of child sexual abuse have a direct and practical effect on the way victims and survivors and perpetrators are treated by society and institutions. This was also identified in the analysis of existing research. For example, children are still accused of ‘child prostitution’, ‘risky behaviour’ and ‘promiscuity’ and, as a result, continue to feel blamed or responsible for the sexual abuse they have suffered rather than being the victims of serious criminal acts. It was noted that the use of phrases such as ‘gold-digger’ and ‘fantasist’ has an impact on the perception and credibility of adult survivors of child sexual abuse.

All the phraseology ... ‒ active lifestyle choices; placing yourself at risk; prostituting yourself ‒ we hear it all the time still today.

Participant, social and political narratives seminar

Certainly, in the work we do with young people, with adolescents who experience abuse, so many of them tell us they’re not believed, they’re judged.

Participant, social and political discourses seminar

A number of participants also indicated that society must address its reluctance to discuss child sexual abuse openly and frankly.

I often talk to professionals, deliver training to them and they talk about, Oh, I can't bear to think about that. Oh no, don't mention that or Can you just take that slide out? We think it's too traumatic for the audience

Participant, social and political discourses seminar

However, it was noted that to be truly effective, changes must take place across all parts of society. The Inquiry agrees that there is a lack of open discussion about child sexual abuse and it has seen this reluctance to talk about child sexual abuse first-hand through its work.

For example, a representative survey carried out for the Inquiry on public awareness and understanding of child sexual abuse found that, of the 2,040 adults asked, more than two thirds did not feel comfortable discussing child sexual abuse ‒ even with those they know and trust. In comparison, respondents were more comfortable discussing terminal illness, substance abuse, bereavement or personal finances.[3]

Similarly, in seeking clearance for radio advertising to raise awareness of the Truth Project, the Inquiry encountered concerns about raising the issue of child sexual abuse during drive-time when children might be listening. The Inquiry’s radio commercial was withdrawn by one radio station following a complaint. However, it was reintroduced after discussions between the Inquiry and the radio station about what the Inquiry was seeking to achieve.

A reluctance to talk about child sexual abuse with children is an issue that has come up in the Inquiry’s discussions with children and young people. They have said that child sexual abuse is rarely discussed with them and that they should be given better practical advice about how to stay safe. The NSPCC’s ‘Talk PANTS’ campaign has been well received. It encourages parents, carers, schools and teachers to talk to children about staying safe from child sexual abuse. It shows that these messages can be delivered in a smart and accessible way.

unless we find a way of letting the light in everywhere, and enabling young people to talk about what life is like for them, then people will always find a way of exploiting that darkness and keeping that [sexual] activity away from the prying eyes of people who might do something about it.

Participant, social and political discourses seminar

The Inquiry considers that children ‒ and adult victims and survivors of child sexual abuse ‒ will be better protected and supported if society is prepared to discuss the issue openly and frankly. Discussions should recognise that child sexual abuse takes many forms and can affect every community ‒ irrespective of ethnic background or educational attainment. It must recognise that children will face different risks depending on their age, interests and hobbies, and relationships with the peers and adults in their lives. Having these discussions can improve understanding and awareness of child sexual abuse, and can help society take measures to better protect children. Clearly, discussion on its own is not enough ‒ it must be followed by action. But if society does not improve its understanding of child sexual abuse and discuss it openly and frankly, the appropriate action is less likely to follow.

The Inquiry will continue to consider how a change in culture can be supported. Those institutions with a responsibility to keep children safe from sexual abuse must play a key role. The importance of leadership within those institutions is discussed in the next section of this report.

 

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