York campaigner fights for Declan’s Law to secure victim support and justice
Campaign seeks legal right for therapy access in abuse cases
A York campaigner says a law designed to support children who've been sexually abused is now within reach.
Kev Curran's been calling for Declan's Law for decades in memory of his brother who took his life.
Declan died at 13 after being denied therapy due to fears it might affect legal proceedings, the campaign aims to bridge systemic gaps that force victims to choose between getting help and pursuing justice.
The government has already committed to the recommendations the Declan’s Law campaign is calling for by improving victims’ access to support through the Victims’ Code. Campaigners say it now needs to be enshrined in law through the Victims’ Code as a priority, so that no victim ever has to suffer in silence again.
Kev Curran said: “The commitment is there after years of campaigning, and with the excellent support of my MP Rachael Maskell, who has raised it in Parliament with successive Justice Secretaries. But it must be made robust and implemented without delay, because victims have been let down by the system for far too long. It’s time for genuine change in the justice system so that it protects victims and provides support for those who need it without creating complications in the legal process.
“We lost Declan aged just 13 because we were told that support would contaminate evidence, and that if we pursued it, the perpetrator could walk free. Declan received neither support nor justice, and because he was not able to be cross-examined, his case was left on file while the family faced the tragic loss of his life. Declan, and children like him, deserve better.”
Kev adds: “My mum started this campaign 32 years ago, and I have made it my life’s purpose to continue fighting for it. It has to be enshrined in law—clear, protected, and never again open to misinterpretation or guidance that fails to guarantee the rights of victims or silences their voices.”
Declan’s Law proposes granting professional psychological support as an immediate right for victims, with legal safeguards ensuring therapy does not disrupt case integrity or delay justice.
Where to get support
If you’ve been affected by issues in this article there is help available from these services:
Childine - 0800 1111 - https://www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 - https://www.nspcc.org.uk
If you, or someone you know is suffering with their mental health, or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can speak to your GP. If someone's life is in danger - call 999 immediately.
You can also find help and advice from these services:
Hub of Hope - https://hubofhope.co.uk
Samaritans – Call 116123 - https://www.samaritans.org
Mind - 0300 123 3393 - https://www.mind.org.uk