'No room for complacency' in tackling child abuse

There is no room for complacency when it comes to protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation, says the lead of a child safeguarding body.

The Islands Safeguarding Children Partnership (ISCP) works with other agencies to support and safeguard children in Guernsey and Alderney.

David Goosey, ISCP's pan-island independent chair, said: "The agencies involved in protecting children should never be complacent."

He said: "We will continue to challenge partner agencies to consider what improvements can be made to promote the welfare of children in the islands and when we find these opportunities we will always push to take them."

ISCP has been drawing attention to the work of its partner agencies as part of the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence awareness week - 3-9 February 2025.

Mr Goosey said the multi-agency support hub aimed to insure referrals were triaged and people were signposted to services if support and interventions were needed to protect and support children.

The ISCP last conducted a major audit into child safeguarding in 2021, which resulted in Guernsey Police creating a digital safety development officer role focussed on preventing digital crime.

It said its work also includes guidance for responding to the challenges of protecting children and young people exposed to exploitation through different forums including county lines, gangs, and youth violence.

Guernsey Police's Deputy Chief Officer Richard Bell said: "Child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse is a priority for Guernsey Police.

"Our public protection unit have and will continue to bring offenders in front of the courts to face the consequences of their serious actions."

He added: "For anyone who has been a victim, please know it is not your fault. When you are ready, we are here to listen and can offer you support every step of the way. You are not alone."

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