A recent report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary has revealed significant shortcomings in Cleveland Police's handling of child abuse cases. The force has been graded as 'inadequate' in both "responding to children at risk of harm" and "investigating child abuse," highlighting systemic issues that demand immediate attention.

Inspector Michelle Skeer highlighted that Cleveland Police lacks a sufficient number of trained officers to manage reports of child abuse effectively. More concerning is the evidence of "victim-blaming language" found within the force, indicating a widespread problem that risks the safety of vulnerable children in the area.

This report serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for police forces to prioritise the protection of children and to handle abuse allegations with the utmost sensitivity and professionalism. For survivors of child abuse, reports such as this one can be both distressing and disheartening, potentially preventing them from coming forward and disclosing accounts of abuse to the police for fear that they will not be believed and/or no action will be taken against their abusers. If no action is taken, survivors may then understandably fear repercussions from their abusers, who will often also be violent towards their victims.

At Switalskis, we understand the profound impact that institutional failures such as this can have on survivors. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting those affected by child sexual abuse. We advocate tirelessly to hold institutions accountable and to secure the justice and compensation that survivors are entitled to.

If you're ready to ask for help or need legal support for a compensation claim, Switalskis is here to help. Call us today at 0800 138 0458 or contact us through our website .