Visit to The Lighthouse
Last week we visited The Lighthouse, a brilliant multiagency safe space supporting children and young people in their recovery from sexual abuse and exploitation. Not only does The Lighthouse highlight the importance of access to local services to support victims of child sexual abuse, but it also highlights the brilliant work that can be done […]
Celebrating the RE Council’s 50th Anniversary
Draft speaking notes – speech to the RE Council Speech 3rd May 2023 Thank you so much. It’s a pleasure to be here with you today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the RE Council. I qualified as an RE teacher in 1991, after my degree in Theology and Philosophy at Heythrop College, University of London […]
Statement on government plans to tackle grooming
The Children’s Commissioner responds to the Government’s plans to create a new Grooming Gangs Taskforce to better protect children and young women from sexual abuse and exploitation. Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza said: “I welcome this focus on protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse, and I urge them to extend this […]
‘A lot of it is actually just abuse’- Young people and pornography
This paper, the first in a series of research reports, makes clear the urgent need to protect children from the harms of online pornography. It is my duty as Children’s Commissioner to champion young people’s views and voices, and to ensure that all children enjoy the freedom to grow up safely and happily, both online […]
Briefing to MPs on the Online Safety Bill
Briefing to MPs on the Online Safety Bill Next week is the Second Reading of the Online Safety Bill. As Children’s Commissioner, I have convened the 15 leading children’s rights organisations and internet safety experts in the UK to tell you about our thoughts on it. I am writing to all MPs with views on […]
Archived Content
Anne Longfield comments on Mayor’s £4m commitment to tackling sexual abuse
This is a welcome commitment to improving support for victims of child sexual abuse in the capital.
Anne Longfield comments on HMIC report revealing 75% of child abuse cases handled inadequately by Met Police
It is deeply worrying that the Met Police has not yet got to grips with the way it tackles child abuse and sexual exploitation.
‘Focus on children in need’ – Children’s Commissioner at National Children and Adults Services Conference 2016
Vulnerable children who do not meet the threshold for child protection intervention by local authorities is a key area of focus for the Children’s Commissioner for England.
Children’s Commissioner for England says Icelandic ‘Barnahus’ approach could double convictions of child sexual abuse in West Yorkshire
Anne Longfield has teamed up with West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner to explore the potential for a pilot ‘Barnahus’ or ‘Children’s House’ in West Yorkshire, to help victims of child sexual abuse.
Head of Policy Graham Richie’s speech at Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week
It is my firm belief that we have a fantastic opportunity to make considerable progress over the next few years.
Speech
Announcement on Child Sexual Abuse Inquiry
Child sexual abuse is one of the most critical modern day issues that needs to be addressed.
Deputy Children’s Commissioner for England and Former Chair of the Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse linked to the Family Environment
Sue Berelowitz left the Office of the Children’s Commissioner under a voluntary redundancy agreement as part of plans to flatten the organisation’s management structure so that her responsibilities as Deputy Children’s Commissioner and Chief Executive of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner could transfer to the new Children’s Commissioner and her post could be deleted.
Six key priorities for after the general election: What should a new government do for children and young people?
With the delivery of the final Budget of the current government last Wednesday and less than 50 days to go until the General Election on 7 May, my thoughts, like many other,s are inevitably turning to what might happen after.
Anne Longfield: My first week as Children’s Commissioner and my immediate priorities
It’s the end of my first week as Children’s Commissioner for England and what a fantastic week it has been! I am determined to use my six year term to make the country a better place for all children and young people to grow up in. I will be drawing on my 30 years’ experience campaigning […]
‘If it’s not better, it’s not the end’
Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Gangs and Groups: One Year On