Make it mandatory for Police & CPS to provide counselling to ALL victims of CSA

Make it mandatory the Police & Crown Prosecution Service provide ALL victims of child sexual abuse with counselling & support before during & after trial without prejudicing justice. This is in gov legislation, but the CPS & Police still advise victims it can affect the trial. This needs to end.

In memory of our 13 year old Brother Declan to implement Declan's Law. As it's a moral duty for CPS & police to provide counselling to child sexual abuse victims without fear it may affect their trial. Declan was raped by a paedophile. Our mum begged CPS, Police & Local Authority to provide counselling for her children but was told this would contaminate court evidence.Our brother Declan took his own life age 13. His death could have been prevented "Declan's Law" would ensure future CSA victims get the support they deserve when it’s needed

We were saddened to hear about the tragic death of your brother, Declan. We recognise the devastating impact that child sexual abuse can have on victims and their families and are committed to ensuring they have access to the support they need.

The provision of counselling to victims of child sexual abuse is not prescribed in legislation and to do so would deny a victim their choice of whether to access support, and the form this takes. Under the Victims' Code, all victims have the right to be referred to support services when they report a crime to the police, regardless of whether anyone has been charged or convicted of a criminal offence, and regardless of whether they decide to report the crime to the police or do not wish to cooperate with the investigation. When victims report a crime, the police must provide them with information on where and how to get advice and support, including psychological support such as pre-trial therapy and counselling.

It is not the responsibility of the police or CPS to provide specialist, therapeutic support. Local authorities, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) commission appropriate support services at a local level. Last May, we published a draft Victims Bill, to improve all victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system, including children and young people. As support accessed outside of safe accommodation, such as counselling, is commissioned locally, the Victims Bill will place a duty on PCCs, local authorities and ICBs to collaborate when commissioning services for victims of sexual abuse, as well as domestic abuse and other serious violence. As part of this duty, local commissioners are required to consider the needs of children, who may need tailored support services. The Bill will also strengthen the roles of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) who work with children, young people and their families.