For far too long, the issues of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation have not been addressed with the urgency they require. This crisis leaves lasting scars, leading to mental health challenges, addiction, and, in some heart breaking instances, death or the continuation of the cycle of abuse.

Children represent the future, and it is our ethical responsibility to safeguard their well-being today.

When lenient sentences are imposed on abusers, society conveys a perilous message: that offenders can operate without fear of consequences and that the suffering of their victims is insignificant. This must be addressed.

The demands are the following:

 

1. **Prioritising Child Welfare in Institutions**

Public institutions must prioritise child welfare by overhauling systems to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and indifference.

 

2. **Holding Public Officials Accountable**

Leaders who fail to protect children, including law enforcement and social workers, must face unbiased investigations and legal consequences.

 

3. **Enhancing Prosecutions for Child Abusers**

We call for improved training, resources, and specialised units to boost conviction rates for child abusers.

 

4. **Sentencing Reform: Mandatory Custodial Sentences for Abusers** 

We advocate for strict, mandatory custodial sentences for all child abuse cases, as these crimes are premeditated and never accidental. Leniency in sentencing endangers future victims.

 

5. **Stricter Penalties for Online Child Exploitation**

Online sexual exploitation of children is a serious crime. We call for mandatory custodial sentences for those accessing, distributing, or profiting from child sexual abuse materials, treating these offences with the same severity as physical abuse.

 

6. **Enhanced Education on Abuse Recognition and Empowerment**

We support improved education for professionals and children: 

- **Training for Professionals:** Educators and healthcare providers must learn to identify signs of abuse and grooming to better support victims. 

- **Empowering Children:** Schools should implement age-appropriate programs to teach children self-protection and how to seek help.

 

7. **Reform of Family Courts and Support for Rape Survivors**

We demand comprehensive reform of family courts to protect survivors and their children. Convicted child rapists should not have access to children conceived through such acts. Survivors raising children from rape must receive robust support, and societal stigma must be addressed.

 

Sheffield has been cancelled

Awaiting Information on  Manchester,  Newcastle

A series of marches and events will take place at various locations on February 17, 2025. For more information, please visit the X platform. Unfortunately, I am unable to provide a link to Facebook due to a permanent ban from the platform.