Child Abuse Inquiry Deleted Survivors" Stories

By Tom Parmenter
Sky News
October 15, 2015

http://news.sky.com/story/1570333/child-abuse-inquiry-deleted-survivors-stories

Justice Lowell Goddard is heading the independent investigation

The Goddard Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse has apologised after information provided by survivors was destroyed before it was even looked at.

A website glitch was blamed for the error, which was described as "unacceptable" by campaigners and people who had been abused.

The inquiry, which is only just getting under way, is led by New Zealand judge Lowell Goddard and will examine institutional failings over child sexual abuse over many decades.

A statement on the Goddard Inquiry website said: "Due to a change in our website address to www.iicsa.org.uk on 14 September, any information submitted to the inquiry between 14 September and 2 October through the online form on the 'share your experience' page of our website was instantly and permanently deleted before it reached our engagement team.

"We are very sorry for any inconvenience or distress this will cause and would like to reassure you that no information was put at risk of disclosure or unauthorised access.

"Due to the security measures on our website, your information cannot be found or viewed by anyone else as it was immediately and permanently destroyed."

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have expressed their dismay that there was a three-week period in which very personal data did not get to the intended recipients.

Marilyn Hawes, founder of Enough Abuse UK, told Sky News: "It is a shaming disgrace.

"When will people realise victims of this crime are not labelled evidence - they are human beings whose lives have been negatively impacted by this crime of abuse.

"Those who have suffered will rightly feel they have yet again been disrespected and disregarded and I feel for them as they are now being asked to once again regurgitate their painful past."

The statement from the inquiry added: "Alternatively you can call the inquiry helpline on 0800 917 1000 to submit your information over the phone, or email our team at contact@iicsa.org.uk".