Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said those who cover up or fail to report child sexual abuse could face professional or criminal sanctions under a new offence to be introduced this year. The proposal was one of 20 recommendations made by Professor Alexis Jay following her seven year inquiry into child sexual abuse,

The home secretary has announced the professionals who work with children will face criminal sanctions if they do not report child sexual abuse. Yvette Cooper told MPs that a “significant package of measures” will be announced by the government in the next few weeks aimed at tackling online child sexual exploitation.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Government will make it "an offence with professional and criminal sanctions to fail to report or cover up child sexual abuse."