Irene Ivison 1946–2000

Irene Ivison together with other parents, friends and supporters founded CROP in 1996. The charity was set up following the murder of Irene’s 17-year-old daughter Fiona by a client after she had been groomed for sexual exploitation and coerced into street prostitution by a known perpetrator.

Advocate and Campaigner

Fiona’s tragic death gave Irene an extraordinary clarity of vision, enabling her to understand why young people are sexually exploited and what is needed to protect them. With the support and backing of those involved with CROP, Irene became a key figure, forceful advocate and formidable campaigner in the field of child sexual exploitation.

Irene, as the driving force behind CROP, played a significant, influential role in changing and shaping national public policy and practice. Exceptionally, Irene’s tireless work, supported by the CROP team, enabled others to see that these children are victims of child sexual exploitation rather than criminals and, as such, the focus of attention should be on the behaviour and accountability of abusive adults, the perpetrators.

Irene’s Legacy

With backing from similarly affected parents and other dedicated individuals, Irene developed a clear strategic vision to end child sexual exploitation. This, combined with her drive, determination and tenacity meant that she, in conjunction with her committed supporters, led the way in bringing the subject to the attention of society in general, and statutory and voluntary agencies in particular.

She achieved this through: working with other parents to found CROP; organising high-profile conferences and seminars in collaboration with other parents and carers, friends and supporters; publishing a book about her daughter’s exploitation and murder (Fiona’s Story); writing articles for national and local press; appearing on television and radio; and setting up a re-education programme for men who paid for sex.

By harnessing the encouragement, friendship and support from those around her, Irene was able to channel her grief and anger into strength and positive, practical action for the benefit of those whose lives had been torn apart by child sexual exploitation.

She leaves this legacy today. Irene was exceptional in that she was able to offer compassion, comfort and understanding to parents at a personal level and also managed to effect long-lasting change in the national sphere by gaining the respect and admiration of those in authority.

Irene’s substantial contribution and intervention in the arena of child sexual exploitation has made a real difference to children in need. Irene remains an inspiration and testament that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

To learn more about Irene’s life see:

• Irene Ivison, Mother, Woman and Campaigner: A Tribute, Adele Weir (CROP 2002).
• Fiona’s Story, Irene Ivison (Virago 1997).