Report on Childhood Abuse Survivors and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK

Prevalence of Childhood Abuse and Its Impact on Adults

1. The Crime Survey for England and Wales 2016 revealed that between 7% and 9% of 16 to 59 year olds in the UK experienced physical, sexual, and psychological abuse during childhood.
2. Nearly 32% of adults with long-term illness or disability reported childhood abuse.
3. Adults economically inactive due to long-term or temporary sickness or illness were more likely to have experienced childhood abuse compared to economically active adults.
4. Professor Alexis Jay’s 2022 Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) report highlighted survivor anxiety in accessing support services, including benefits.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Childhood Abuse Survivors

Despite clear correlations between childhood abuse and adult health-related poverty, the DWP has consistently failed to adequately safeguard, protect, and support survivors of childhood abuse and other personal traumas. This failure contradicts the UK government’s own definition of trauma-informed practice, which emphasizes six core principles:

• Safety
• Trust
• Choice
• Collaboration
• Empowerment
• Cultural consideration

Issues within the DWP include:

• Intimidating job centre environments causing increased distress among claimants.
• Poor safeguarding records resulting in deaths of vulnerable claimants.
• Forced reassessment processes for claimants with lifelong conditions.
• Political rhetoric portraying claimants as economic burdens or fraudsters, undermining their dignity and rights.

Deprivation, Humiliation, and Re-victimisation of Survivors

Disabled survivors of childhood abuse face systemic vulnerability due to ongoing neglect, enforced deprivation, and psychological harm from the very institutions meant to support them. This situation perpetuates further trauma and powerlessness, highlighting the urgent need for the DWP to adopt trauma-informed practices comprehensively.

Urgency for Institutional Change within the DWP

Implementing trauma-informed practices within the DWP aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
• SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere by providing adequate social protection.
• SDG 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries by protecting vulnerable populations.
• SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies by ensuring access to justice and building effective institutions.

By fostering an environment where survivors feel safe, valued, and respected, the DWP can facilitate their meaningful participation in society and the economy without subjecting them to further trauma or discrimination.

Recommendations

1. Adopt and implement trauma-informed practices across all levels of the DWP.
2. Redesign job centres to create safe and supportive environments for survivors.
3. Provide comprehensive training for staff on survivor support and trauma awareness.
4. Ensure transparent and compassionate assessment processes for claimants with disabilities or long-term illnesses.
5. Promote policies that uphold the dignity and rights of survivors, countering stigmatizing narratives.

Sources of Support, Information, and Advice

Survivors and stakeholders are encouraged to access support and information through available channels, including:

• Organisational training in survivor support
• Subscribing to newsletters and additional content via Substack for ongoing updates and resources.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses the long-term health impacts of childhood abuse, including psychological and physical health issues.
   • It highlights the need for trauma-informed practices in support services to improve mental health outcomes.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • There is a clear connection between childhood abuse and health-related poverty in adulthood.
   • The article addresses economic inactivity and deprivation linked to abuse survivors.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights systemic neglect and discrimination against survivors of childhood abuse, particularly disabled individuals.
   • It calls for institutional change to prevent further harm and reduce inequalities.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses failures in safeguarding vulnerable populations by government institutions.
   • It emphasizes the need for trauma-informed practice within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to protect survivors.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable.
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Prevalence of Childhood Abuse
   • The article cites statistics from the Crime Survey for England and Wales indicating 7% to 9% of adults aged 16 to 59 experienced childhood abuse.
   • This prevalence rate can serve as an indicator to monitor reductions in childhood abuse incidence.
2. Health Outcomes of Survivors
   • Percentage of adults with long-term illness or disability who experienced childhood abuse (nearly 32%).
   • Mental health status and access to trauma-informed health services.
3. Economic Activity and Poverty Levels
   • Rates of economic inactivity among survivors due to health-related poverty.
   • Access to social protection and benefits as a measure of support effectiveness.
4. Institutional Safeguarding and Support
   • Implementation of trauma-informed practices within government departments like the DWP.
   • Number of vulnerable claimants safeguarded and reduction in harm caused by institutional neglect.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: yorkshirebylines.co.uk