Putting Children First

There are so many posts and so much passion on my socials about how children who have experienced sexual abuse and/or exploitation are being failed. The Legislation across Ireland, and in Britain, is designed to prioritise the wellbeing of the child, but the systems in place to do so are inadequate. Children should not be waiting up to 8 years, (at least), for the case against their alleged abuser to come to Court. That is immoral. I know that there are plans in place to address this in some jurisdictions but the psychological impact on a child of that hanging over their head for years is abusive in itself. Once a case does come to Court, unfortunately, the alleged perpetrator uses a number of stalling and delaying tactics, thus prolonging the ordeal for the child. In these situations, the Judge should decide what assessments/medical tests etc are required and they should appoint an appropriately qualified and independent professional to undertake these and advise as appropriate. Where a child requires therapeutic support to address the impact on them of their abuse, this should be free to the child, available in their locality, and either paid for by the Government, or by those found guilty of abuse; no child asks to be abused, and they should not be penalised if they are victims of abuse.