Introducing England's Barnahus: A Safe Haven for Child Sexual Abuse Victims

1. INTRODUCING THE BARNAHUS IN ENGLAND ANNE LONGFIELD, CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER FOR ENGLAND

2. The Children’s Commissioner for England Children’s Commissioner created in 2004 Statutory responsibility to protect and promote children’s rights Champion for children in Government, bringing insight and independence to issues affecting children

3. Child Sexual Abuse in England My research estimated that approximately 1 in 8 victims of sexual abuse in England come to the attention of statutory authorities Victims are often traumatised by speaking with multiple professionals, the interview and the court process

4. The Barnahus in England Recommended pilot/evaluation in England to Government Organised UK Govt visit to Barnahus in Reykjavik, including Home Office, Department for Education, Foreign Office, Crown Prosecution Service and National Health Service Briefed media, senior officials and commissioning bodies

5. Challenges in implementation Ensuring that the pilot implementation is consistent with key principles of Barnahus model Embedded criminal justice process – building on pre-recorded cross examination Building on existing infrastructure, e.g. Sexual Assault Referral Centres and specialist therapeutic services Moving away from reliance on disclosure

6. Building on the Pilot Building on the pilot in a structured manner, according to minimum standards