The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published fifty accounts of child sexual abuse and institutional failure. The experiences were shared with the Inquiry’s Truth Project and illustrate a catalogue of failures from organisations including sports clubs, boarding schools, GP surgeries and the World War Two evacuation scheme.

Chair, Professor Alexis Jay said: “Reading these accounts, I was struck by both the vulnerability and strength of victims and survivors. Often, they describe how organisations and people they trusted turned away when they needed their help the most. Many who come forward to the Truth Project say they want their experiences to be used to help protect others. I want to reassure them that their information is central to the Inquiry’s success. ”

A victim and survivor who took part in the Truth Project said: “It wasn’t easy sharing my story but the kind, empathic staff at the Truth Project supported me through it.  I was listened to, believed and understood. I was given a voice and that is so very valuable. For the first time I feel truly hopeful that things might change for the better and maybe the suffering will stop. Thank you.”

The publication can be viewed online or downloaded from the website:

http://www.iicsa.org.uk/victims-and-survivors/experiences-shared

We are keen to ensure that this permanent record of accounts is published as widely as possible. We would be grateful if you could circulate this to your colleagues, contacts, and social media networks to ensure they are seen by victims, survivors and professionals.

The Inquiry is using the #TruthProject

If you would be willing to consider signposting individuals you support to the Truth Project or hosting information about the Truth Project on your website to ensure that we can reach as many victims and survivors as possible with the opportunity to have their voice heard, please contact: engagement@iicsa.org.uk to discuss further.

• You can find out more about the Truth Project at: https://www.truthproject.org.uk
• by calling the information line: 0800 917 1000
• or emailing: share@truthproject.org.uk
• Facebook: @TruthProjectCSA
• Twitter: @InquiryCSA

This post is also available in: Welsh