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

Case file analysis of child sexual abuse in institutional settings to inform Inquiry research

15 September 2020

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse is analysing case files from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to learn more about the behaviours of perpetrators who have sexually abused children in institutions, and to understand institutional responses to these behaviours.

The Inquiry’s research team will analyse recent, anonymised DBS case files about individuals referred to the DBS by employers, regulators and others. These files are used to decide whether or not to bar someone from working with children and/or vulnerable adults. The Inquiry will examine those where there are, or have been, concerns about an individual’s behaviour with children. 

The research will look at DBS referrals across a range of institutional settings, including education, social care, foster care and sport, in England and Wales. 

The aim of the project is to address gaps in knowledge around the behaviour of perpetrators who sexually abuse children in institutional settings. 

The DBS is an executive non-departmental public body. It processes and issues DBS checks for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. 

Dr Verena Brähler, Head of the Inquiry’s research team said:

“Through this key research, we aim to bridge the gap in understanding about the behaviours of perpetrators who have sexually abused children in institutions. 

“Examining case files from the DBS across a wide range of institutions will help to further our knowledge and awareness of the contextual factors which may facilitate or fail to prevent sexual abuse from taking place in these settings.”

 

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