Millions of children in religious groups in England and Wales vulnerable to abuse

IICSA report finds victim blaming, abuse of power and mistrust of authority to be commonplace

Children involved in religious organisations, including Sunday schools and madrasas, are vulnerable to sexual abuse in cultures where victim blaming, abuse of power and mistrust of external authorities are common, a report says.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) said there was no doubt that the sexual abuse of children takes place in a broad range of religious settings". It found evidence of egregious failings" and highlighted the hypocrisy of religions that purport to teach right from wrong, yet fail to protect children.