Abuse victims threaten to quit Scots inquiry

By Mark Macaskill
Sunday Times
March 12, 2017

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/scotland/abuse-victims-threaten-to-quit-scots-inquiry-gjd2vkf7w

Smith: restriction order

Dozens of victims of childhood abuse have threatened to withdraw from a Scottish inquiry amid concern they will be stripped of their anonymity if they give evidence.

At least 50 individuals who say they were sexually and physically abused as children have expressed deep misgivings after Lady Smith, a judge who is chairing the Scottish child abuse inquiry, warned that organisations or individuals accused of child abuse may be told the names of their accusers.

In Care Abuse Survivors (Incas), a charity awarded core participant status at the inquiry, said about 30 people had threatened to back out, including some who have given statements but have since refused to sign them. Wellbeing Scotland, a charity fighting for core status, said about 20 victims of childhood abuse had decided against giving evidence.

Under the terms of the inquiry, Lady Smith has discretion to grant a restriction order that would preserve an individual’s anonymity. However, she has made it clear that there is “no blanket rule” and that the inquiry is legally obliged to “be fair to everyone involved”.

Amid mounting concern over the issue, campaigners met inquiry officials last week and requested that survivors are given ample warning that their name is to be released, so they can make representations and seek a restriction order under section 19 of the Inquiries Act.