The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (‘the Inquiry’) was set up in March 2015 and aims to consider the extent to which state and non-state institutions in England and Wales have failed in their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation, and to make meaningful recommendations for change.

The Inquiry’s investigation on Child Sexual Exploitation by Organised Networks assesses the extent to which a wide range of relevant authorities have learnt lessons, implemented recommendations, and put in place effective strategies to prevent child sexual exploitation in future.

The Inquiry also has a research programme to gather together what is already known about child sexual abuse and exploitation, and undertake primary research to fill knowledge gaps. This research has been commissioned to support the Child Sexual Exploitation by Organised Networks investigation, to better understand perpetrators’ motivations and behaviours, particularly in regard to informing preventative practice.