News
October 27, 2025
Children not ‘any safer’ since abuse inquiry concluded, says York charity boss
The boss of York charity Survive has said she does not believe children are “any safer” following the child sex abuse inquiry, as she urged the government to “get on with” implementing its full findings.
**York Charity Boss: Children Still Vulnerable Despite Abuse Inquiry**
The head of a York-based charity dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse has voiced serious concerns about the ongoing safety of children in the UK. Mags Godderidge, CEO of Survive York, argues that despite the extensive investigations and findings of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), tangible improvements in child protection remain elusive. She has issued a strong call for the government to prioritize and fully implement the inquiry’s recommendations.
Speaking out this week, Godderidge emphasized that simply concluding the inquiry is not enough. While the IICSA unearthed harrowing accounts of abuse across various institutions and highlighted systemic failings, she believes these revelations haven't translated into concrete changes on the ground that demonstrably protect children. "I don't believe children are any safer," she stated, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures.
Survive York provides vital support to adults and children impacted by abuse. Their work gives Godderidge a firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and families. This direct experience fuels her frustration with the perceived lack of progress in safeguarding children.
The IICSA, which concluded after a multi-year investigation, delivered a series of detailed reports and recommendations covering a wide range of areas, including schools, religious organizations, and foster care. These recommendations aimed to address systemic weaknesses that allowed abuse to occur and persist.
Godderidge is urging the government to move beyond acknowledging the IICSA's findings and to actively translate them into policy and practice. She believes that a comprehensive and coordinated effort is crucial to create a truly safer environment for children. This includes adequate funding for child protection services, improved training for professionals working with children, and robust mechanisms for reporting and investigating allegations of abuse.
The call from Survive York's CEO serves as a stark reminder that the fight to protect children from abuse is far from over. It underscores the importance of continuous vigilance, ongoing reform, and a commitment from all levels of society to prioritize the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our community. Godderidge's plea for the government to "get on with" implementing the inquiry's full findings is a challenge to turn words into meaningful action and ensure that the lessons learned from the IICSA lead to genuine and lasting change.
The head of a York-based charity dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse has voiced serious concerns about the ongoing safety of children in the UK. Mags Godderidge, CEO of Survive York, argues that despite the extensive investigations and findings of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), tangible improvements in child protection remain elusive. She has issued a strong call for the government to prioritize and fully implement the inquiry’s recommendations.
Speaking out this week, Godderidge emphasized that simply concluding the inquiry is not enough. While the IICSA unearthed harrowing accounts of abuse across various institutions and highlighted systemic failings, she believes these revelations haven't translated into concrete changes on the ground that demonstrably protect children. "I don't believe children are any safer," she stated, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures.
Survive York provides vital support to adults and children impacted by abuse. Their work gives Godderidge a firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and families. This direct experience fuels her frustration with the perceived lack of progress in safeguarding children.
The IICSA, which concluded after a multi-year investigation, delivered a series of detailed reports and recommendations covering a wide range of areas, including schools, religious organizations, and foster care. These recommendations aimed to address systemic weaknesses that allowed abuse to occur and persist.
Godderidge is urging the government to move beyond acknowledging the IICSA's findings and to actively translate them into policy and practice. She believes that a comprehensive and coordinated effort is crucial to create a truly safer environment for children. This includes adequate funding for child protection services, improved training for professionals working with children, and robust mechanisms for reporting and investigating allegations of abuse.
The call from Survive York's CEO serves as a stark reminder that the fight to protect children from abuse is far from over. It underscores the importance of continuous vigilance, ongoing reform, and a commitment from all levels of society to prioritize the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our community. Godderidge's plea for the government to "get on with" implementing the inquiry's full findings is a challenge to turn words into meaningful action and ensure that the lessons learned from the IICSA lead to genuine and lasting change.
Category:
Politics