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Victims could sue child sex abuse inquiry over trauma

By Martin Evans
Telegraph
October 16, 2016

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/16/victims-could-sue-child-sex-abuse-inquiry-over-trauma/

The inquiry has seen a number of chairmen come and go, most recently Dame Justice Lowell Goddard
Photo by JACK TAYLOR

Labour MP Chuka Umunna has said the public would welcome Dame Lowell speaking to the select commitee

Victims of child sex abuse are threatening to sue the independent inquiry set up to help them after complaining that it has increased their suffering.

One man, who was abused at an approved school in Devon in the 1970s, said he was considering seeking damages for the trauma he has endured as the inquiry lurches from one crisis to another.

It could lead to similar claims or the withdrawal of many of those who were due to give evidence.

Known only as Phil, the man, who is a member of the Forde Park Survivors Group, told BBC Radio 5 Live that every time the inquiry had a false start he was forced to relive the horror of the abuse he suffered as a child.

Last week further damaging revelations emerged about the inquiry’s former chairman, Dame Justice Lowell Goddard. She was accused of making inappropriate remarks, including some of a racist nature, during her time in post.

She has strenuously denied the claims but MPs on the Home Affairs Select Committee have said they wish her to appear before them either in person or via videolink from her home in New Zealand to explain her position.

Dame Lowell became the third chairman of the independent inquiry to step down when she resigned in August.

Tim Loughton, the acting chairman of the select committee, said there were “question marks about the veracity” of the reasons she had put forward.

His Labour colleague on the committee, Chuka Umunna, said the public would welcome hearing directly from Dame Lowell.

He said: “Not only would this help with the smooth running of the inquiry going forward but I believe she owes it to the survivors and their families.”

Theresa May, the Prime Minister, could also be called before the committee after questions were raised about what Home Office officials knew about the allegations against Dame Lowell at the time.

 




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