10-year plan to tackle child sexual abuse in Wales
Cynllun 10 mlynedd i fynd i'r afael â cham-drin plant yn rhywiol
The Welsh Government has today launched a consultation on its new ten-year strategy to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse, the first comprehensive long-term strategy of its kind in the UK.
This strategy, which will run from 2025 to 2035, represents a commitment to tackling child sexual abuse through a whole-system approach focused on prevention, protection, and support.
While other UK nations have implemented shorter-term action plans, Wales is the first to develop a decade-long strategic vision.
The strategy acknowledges that the scale and nature of child sexual abuse has evolved considerably in recent years, particularly in online spaces.
Research shows approximately 25,000 children in Wales experience some form of sexual abuse each year, yet only a fraction come to the attention of police or social services.
The strategy has been co-produced with adult victim-survivors, the NSPCC, the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, Barnardo’s, and the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, ensuring it is grounded in lived experience and expert insight.
It is built around four strategic outcomes - Prevent child sexual abuse; Protect children affected by abuse; Support children and families to recover and Support adult victim-survivors to recover.
This strategy will also be key in further delivery on recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and builds upon work already undertaken under the previous National Action Plan. It also contributes to the implementation of findings from Baroness Casey’s report on group-based exploitation.
Dawn Bowden, Minister for Children and Social Care, said:
“We must do all we can to tackle the heinous crime of child sexual abuse. By developing the UK's first ten-year strategy in this area, we are demonstrating our unwavering commitment to protecting children and supporting survivors throughout their lives.
"The voices of people who have been affected by sexual abuse are central to this strategy and how it is delivered.
“I encourage individuals, organisations, and communities across Wales to share their views and help shape this vital work.”
The consultation will run until 8 October 2025 and can be found on the Welsh Government website at: Consultations | GOV.WALES.
Notes to editors
Additional quotes:
- Ian Dean, Director of the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse said: “The CSA Centre were delighted to be involved in the drafting of this ambitious strategy for Wales, which presents the Welsh Government’s vision for a comprehensive, cross-government and whole system approach to tackle child sexual abuse in all its forms. Of course, the power of any strategy lies in its delivery, so we urge anyone with an interest in this area, particularly those with safeguarding responsibilities or with experience of abuse themselves, to respond to this consultation and help to ensure the work is as far reaching and as impactful as possible.”
- Sharron Wareham, Children’s Service Manager for Barnardo’s Better Futures, said: “We’re delighted to see publication of the Child Sexual Abuse draft 10-Year Strategy, which marks a significant moment for practitioners, parents and children in Wales. We are pleased to have supported the development of a bold and innovative Strategy which takes a truly 360 view of child sexual abuse and, for the first time, places renewed focus on adult survivors of sexual abuse. It is vital that they have the support they need, as well as ensuring children are supported both when they have been harmed and caused harm. We look forward to supporting the implementation of the Strategy, which will be key in delivering strong, sustainable Child Sexual Abuse support services for children and adults in Wales.”
- Claire Short, National Manager, Lucy Faithfull Foundation Cymru said: “Alongside key partners and stakeholders, Lucy Faithfull Foundation Cymru is delighted to have helped shape the Welsh Government’s new 10- year strategy to prevent child sexual abuse in Wales. Preventing all forms of sexual abuse before they happen is at the heart of the strategy. This strategy is a long-term commitment that will strengthen the work that is needed to tackle child sexual abuse. Everyone has their part to play."
- Cecile Gwilym, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for the NSPCC in Wales said: “NSPCC Cymru welcomes the launch of the Welsh Government consultation on its ten-year strategy aimed at preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. We are pleased to have helped scope out existing gaps in policy and practice and are supportive of the strategy’s public health approach, which places the responsibility for tackling child sexual abuse with everybody. The strategy must deliver positive change on the ground, particularly ensuring that parents, professionals and communities are confident to recognise and act where there are concerns of child sexual abuse. We will be responding to the consultation in full.”
- Support services for those affected by child sexual abuse include Childline (0800 1111) and the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline (0808 500 2222)