Children’s Commissioner responds to Fordingbridge rape case sentencing

The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, has issued a statement following the sentencing of perpetrators in the Fordingbridge rape case. The case involved the serious sexual assault of two teenage girls, which the Commissioner described as “deeply disturbing” and shocking to communities across the country. In her statement, Dame Rachel emphasised that “no child should experience” such heinous crimes, paying tribute to the courage shown by the victims and their families in speaking out against their attackers. The Commissioner’s intervention underscores the critical importance of robust safeguarding responses to child sexual abuse and the need for statutory services to ensure young people are protected from exploitation and harm. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the vital role that safeguarding partnerships play in responding to serious incidents of child sexual abuse. It highlights the necessity of believing victims, supporting them through the criminal justice process, and maintaining relentless focus on prevention and early intervention to protect vulnerable children.