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Failure to report child sex abuse to become criminal offence amid grooming gangs row

The UK government is set to introduce a new law making it a criminal offense for adults working with children to fail to report suspected child sexual abuse, following concerns over grooming gangs. This legislative change comes in response to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and aims to address the issue of child protection more effectively. The proposed law will impose a duty on professionals like teachers, doctors, and social workers to report any signs of abuse, with potential penalties including imprisonment for up to five years for non-compliance. This move has sparked debate, with some critics arguing it might deter individuals from entering these professions due to the fear of legal repercussions. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance child safeguarding measures and ensure that abuse is not overlooked or covered up, particularly in light of past failures highlighted by various inquiries.

Read the Full Sky Article at:
[ https://news.sky.com/story/failure-to-report-child-sex-abuse-to-become-criminal-offence-amid-grooming-gangs-row-13284718 ]