Journeys through Justice: Children’s experiences of criminal justice processes in London, following reporting or identification of child sexual abuse

Journeys through Justice is a qualitative research study examining children’s and young people’s experiences of criminal justice processes following the reporting or identification of child sexual abuse. The study was commissioned by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) as part of a wider programme of work focused on attrition in child sexual abuse cases, and was conducted by researchers from the University of Bedfordshire and the University of Lancashire.

The research sought to centre the perspectives of children and young adults who have navigated criminal justice processes as victims and witnesses to better understand how these systems are experienced in practice and where improvements may be needed. It explored engagement across different stages of the justice process, including initial reporting, investigative procedures, and court involvement, alongside consideration of the wider social and emotional contexts in which these experiences occur.

The study adopted a small-scale, in-depth qualitative design, working with children and young adults who experienced sexual abuse before the age of 18 and whose cases were reported to the police. Participants were recruited through specialist sexual abuse and support services, ensuring that appropriate safeguarding and wraparound support were in place throughout their involvement. Data were generated through guided, trauma-informed conversations, supported by flexible, participatory methods such as visual journey mapping and prompts to help participants articulate their experiences. This approach was designed to maximise participant choice, control and safety, recognising the sensitivities of the subject matter and the importance of empowering young people within the research process.

The research was underpinned by a trauma-informed ethical framework, balancing participant well-being with opportunities for meaningful contribution. It prioritises informed consent, flexibility in how participants engage, and the provision of ongoing support through collaborating services. The study also reflects a broader commitment within the Safer Young Lives Research Centre to participatory and applied research that informs policy and practice through the insights of those with lived experience.

By documenting and analysing children and young people’s accounts of their journeys through the criminal justice system, the project aimed to contribute to ongoing debates about how justice processes can better respond to the needs, rights and well-being of young victims/survivors. The study is intended to inform practice, policy and future research, particularly in relation to improving engagement, support and outcomes for children navigating complex and often demanding criminal justice processes.

The report is due for publication in the summer of 2026.