Hansard

Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to speak in tonight’s debate, Presiding Officer. I congratulate Johann Lamont on securing the debate and acknowledge Margaret Mitchell’s convenership of the cross-party group on the adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The CPG and its supporters, who are here in the chamber, have for 10 years been extremely successful in maintaining a spotlight on the pressing issues and demanding the need to implement an effective strategy and policies that support the survivors, the victims and their nearest and dearest.

I also acknowledge Mike Russell’s courage last year in recognising the need to change, thereby creating the context in which the Government could change its approach to the issue and, finally, see the need for a public inquiry.

The sexual abuse of any human being is repugnant. The circumstances of children suffering such abuse are particularly harrowing. No one comes to the issue voluntarily, whether it is those who seek the help of politicians or, indeed, the politicians who are drawn into the debate as they try to find a way of supporting survivors and victims.

It is not often that Mike Russell and I would agree, but I have to say that I have agreed with everything that he has said, so there is no need for me to repeat the words that he has uttered.

I am grateful for the many briefings that I received before the debate. I note that progress has been made in developing a Government strategy over the past 10 years. However, much has yet to be done, and there are concerns across the sector among survivors and victims about a commitment to funding the services and support to which Mike Russell referred. Survivors, victims and families need support now. They need medical, psychological and, on occasion, financial support.

We also need to decide on policy changes in the months and years ahead. We also need to demonstrate a true commitment to those changes, because survivors have too often been made promises only to be let down. White flowers Alba has briefed repeatedly on the shortcomings that it has identified. I know that members of the group are in the Parliament today. INCAS—In Care Abuse Survivors—has contributed, too.

The court service notes the substantial increases in cases being handled and the number of accused being prosecuted for sexual abuse. Many such cases are historical. That success sees a fresh demand for Government support as more survivors come forward. Indeed, we know that, with the growth of the internet, the extent of that need is in the thousands—we are not merely talking about a few people here and there.

The abuse of children has not yet been answered in a way that survivors and victims would wish it to be. I implore the minister to give a commitment to show a positive response to the needs of survivors and the demands that they make, which they make in good faith. They do not ask for much, and to listen to them and engage with them is all the more important at this time in our development.

I am grateful for that opportunity, Presiding Officer.