Ivison Trust welcomes the introduction of the Disregard and Pardon Scheme amendments under the Crime and Policing Bill which will see victims of child sexual exploitation receive pardons for the unjust criminal convictions they were given during their exploitation. This change is long overdue.
For far too long, children who were victims of sexual exploitation and abuse were criminalised for actions that were a direct result of their own victimisation. The children who should have been protected, supported, and believed, were instead treated as offenders. The consequences have been profound and lifelong.
We have seen, time and again, the devastating impact this injustice has caused. Survivors and families have carried the shame and stigma that was never theirs to hold, while those who perpetrated the abuse often walked free.
This injustice has followed many into adulthood, affecting access to education, employment, and for those who became parents, it impacted how they engaged with their children’s school lives. DBS checks revealing historic convictions have served as painful reminders of a system that failed to recognise and protect.
Today, this legislative change represents an important step toward righting that wrong. It acknowledges the truth that these individuals were victims, not criminals, and will hopefully begin to restore dignity and rights.
Our thoughts and support are with survivors and their families.
Lindsay Dalton, Chief Executive Officer