News

At the Report Stage of the Victims and Courts Bill, Parliament did not adopt the proposed amendment that would have ensured victims of online child sexual abuse are recognised and supported equally under the law. 

The amendment, led by Sarah Champion MP and supported by the Marie Collins Foundation alongside a coalition of survivor and child protection organisations, sought to reform the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) so that victims of technology-assisted child sexual abuse (TACSA) are no longer excluded from state compensation. 

While the amendment was unsuccessful, the Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones MP, acknowledged both in Parliament and in her correspondence with MCF that the current Scheme “is not working in its current form.” 

MCF welcomes this recognition and is committed to working collaboratively with Government and Parliament to ensure the Scheme is reformed in a way that truly reflects the realities of abuse in the digital age. Survivors of online-facilitated abuse deserve equal recognition, redress, and support. 

As the Bill now moves to the House of Lords, MCF will continue engaging with peers and partners to ensure the voices and experiences of survivors inform the next phase of debate. 

If you, your organisation or network would like to support this work, please get in touch at admin@mariecollinsfoundation.org.uk to learn how you can be involved.