Number of alleged sexual abuse incidents at Youth Offenders’ Institutions revealed
At least 40 incidents of alleged sexual abuse inside Young Offenders’ Institutions (“YOIs”) have been referred to police, it has been revealed, between November 2019 and 2023 according to a new Freedom of Information request.
Up to 410 safeguarding referrals were made for alleged sexual abuse or sexual violence cases in YOIs or secure training centres in England and Wales between November 2019 and 2023, according to a new Freedom of Information request. The alleged perpetrators were both fellow offenders and members of staff.
The disturbing figures come after a report on Wetherby Young Offenders’ Institution in March 2024 which revealed the shocking incident of a young girl being forcibly stripped by multiple male prison guards.
The episode has led to an outcry by campaigners, with Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, saying: “I have been sounding the alarm about the safety and conditions for children in custody, particularly those who are most vulnerable to risks like poor mental health or exploitation. I have deep concerns about these risks in YOIs.”
Children and young people who are detained in institutions are often already extremely vulnerable when they are taken into detention. The risk of abuse follows the imbalance of power between children who are placed in a detention setting and the members of staff employed there to look after them.
Historically, there have been a number of institutions where abuse of children in detention has been endemic. YOIs need to look into how to prevent these incidents re-occurring, and any identified failings in the system need to be fully addressed.
At Bolt Burdon Kemp we recognise how difficult it can be for someone to disclose abuse in these circumstances. We know money can never truly compensate for abuse at a youth detention setting, but it can help survivors of abuse to rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you know has suffered abuse, you can contact me directly for free, no obligation advice about your legal options and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
