Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the level of threat related to online child sexual abuse during the covid-19 outbreak.

Based on reporting from law enforcement partners and expert opinion, our assessment suggests the risk of online abuse has increased. We continue to develop our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on child sexual abuse, gathering input from law enforcement, safeguarding leads, charities, international partners and other colleagues. We are working with all our partners to strengthen this assessment and deliver a whole system response.

The Government is committed to tackling online child sexual exploitation and abuse and recognises that whilst there are huge benefits to being online in order to stay connected to family and friends during this period, many parents may feel concerned about the activities and content their children are accessing. We have published Guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-keeping-children-safe-online/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-parents-and-carers-to-keep-children-safe-online) for parents and children outlining resources to help keep children safe from different risks online, including online grooming, and where to go to receive support and advice.

In May, the Government pledged more than £76?million?extra funding to support the most vulnerable in society during pandemic. The funding has been made available for charities to support?survivors of abuse, including child sexual abuse.

Recognising the impact of the current situation, the Prime Minister hosted the government’s first Hidden Harms virtual summit. It was attended by over 70 representatives from across government, the NHS, law enforcement, charities and frontline services, as well as survivors of hidden harms. The summit was an opportunity to share emerging best practice at the local and national level and identify areas to go further over the coming months.

Home Office Ministers have met the Internet Watch Foundation, children charities, the tech industry and other parties on the threat during the pandemic, including writing to industry partners on countering online child sexual exploitation and abuse during the pandemic.