Child Abuse Survivors Left Feeling ‘groomed’ by Scottish Government after Inquiry Sees Third Resignation

By Mary McCool
Scottish Sun
February 22, 2017

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/623408/child-abuse-survivors-left-feeling-groomed-by-scottish-government-after-inquiry-sees-third-resignation/

SURVIVORS of child abuse say that continued failures by the Scottish Government have left them feeling “groomed” all over again.

In an interview with Good Morning Scotland, survivors groups say they “continue to be failed” by the government after a third member of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry panel resigned.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney announced yesterday he would not appoint a successor

They also said survivors feel there’s “no point” in engaging with the inquiry further because they feel the process has become too “legalistic” and they have been “denied” an opportunity for redress.

The inquiry is now being led solely by Supreme Court judge Lady Anne Smith.

Glenn Houston, who was the last original member of the board, stepped down from his role yesterday with immediate effect, due to a potential “conflict of interest”.

Alan Draper of Care Abuse Survivors Group says he is “concerned” over Mr Houston’s “commitment to the whole process” and that survivors have had “no announcement” from education secretary John Swinney as to why he feels Lady Smith should act alone.