The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the URI link.The UK has seen changes in sexual abuse policy and practice over the last 10 - 15 years that have
been driven by austerity, risk management, public protection and the socio-political climate; these
changes have been problematic and challenging as well as positive and proactive. In recent years
there has been an increasing move amongst professionals, practitioners and policy makers stating
to think of sexual abuse as more than just a criminal justice issue, but reframing it as a public health
and criminal justice issue; although this has not filtered down to the public and the media yet. This
article will look at the current status of sexual abuse policy and practice in the UK, what has
changed, its impact and where it is moving in the future
