[2024] UKUT 401 (AAC)

In our analysis, which is informed by the experience of the specialist members of the Upper Tribunal panel, we find that the manner in which D revealed her allegations of sexual abuse against her mother had certain features which are often seen in a child’s disclosure of sexual abuse. We recognise that each child is different and there is no set format, but certain features of D’s case are commonly seen in a child’s disclosure of sexual abuse, especially where the sexual abuse is inflicted by a close family member. For instance:

multiple sources of evidence described a significant change in D’s behaviour around the time that she subsequently said she was being sexually abused, but before any allegation was made;