RCGP Safeguarding toolkit

Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse was a statutory inquiry for England and Wales, established in 2015. The inquiry looked at the extent to which State and non-State institutions failed in their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation and makes recommendations for reform. It published 19 reports on 15 investigations covering a wide range of institutions.

The Truth Project gave victims and survivors an opportunity to share their experiences with the Inquiry and put forward suggestions for change. More than 6,000 people took part in the Truth Project.

Some of the key findings from IICSA can be found in the presentaion below.

Additional resources

• STOPCE has an extensive list of the warning signs of child exploitation Spotting the Signs tool.
• Brook and BASHH (British Association for Sexual Health and HIV) updated their Spotting the Signs tool in 2023. The tool supports professionals to identify and respond to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE).
• This is a useful and informative video (15 mins) on spotting the signs of child sexual exploitation produced by Health Education England. 
• NSPCC. Protecting children from sexual exploitation. Updated 2024. 
• RCPCH. Safeguarding guidance for children and young people under 18 accessing early medical abortion services.