Scouts youth movement admit 36 cases of child abuse since 2012

The association has admitted to paying around £500,000 to compensate abuse victims since October 2012.

15:56 11 December 2014

The Scouts youth movement has admitted to 36 child abuse actions since October 2012. They also confirmed that they’ve paid around £500,000 to abuse victims so far.

The association has issued an apology saying it was “deeply sorry” for the hurt caused by the abuse. In a statement, the Scouts said: "We apologise to all those who have been abused during their time in Scouting.

"The safety and support of young people in Scouting is our number one priority.

"Any abuse of young people is abhorrent and we are deeply sorry for anybody hurt by the actions of abusers. We strive to ensure these abuses do not take place."

It added: "We have reviewed the appropriate files to seek the information they requested and can confirm that since the Movement started in 1907, 48 civil actions relating to child abuse have been made against the Association.

"Of these claims, 36 civil actions have been instigated since October 2012; all actions relate to historic cases.

"In common with many other charities, organisations and institutions, we experienced an increase in reported historic cases since 2012.

"In the period October 2012 to December 2014 we have paid around £500K in compensation to victims of abuse.

"To our great regret, some individuals who seek to abuse young people have used their positions to violate the founding principles of Scouting and have breached our stringent processes."