Independent Inquiry publishes Interim Report

Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
April 25, 2018

https://www.iicsa.org.uk/news/independent-inquiry-publishes-interim-report

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its Interim Report, setting out the work of the Inquiry and progress to date.

The Inquiry has so far held five public hearings and seven seminars and published reports setting out the findings from two public hearings and nine research reports. Over 1,000 people have taken part in the Inquiry’s Truth Project.

Using comprehensive research analysis, the report identifies our reluctance as a society to discuss child sexual abuse openly and frankly and calls for this to be addressed.  It also identifies the lack of transparency by some leaders on the failure of their institutions to protect children from sexual abuse. This issue was highlighted in the recent Inquiry reports into the child migration programmes and specific institutions in Rochdale and has been raised by many victims and survivors participating in the Truth Project.  

Using specific contributions of victims and survivors, the report provides clear accounts of child sexual abuse and the profound and lifelong impact it has on them.

The Chair and Panel have identified steps which they consider will better protect children from sexual abuse and have made 18 new recommendations to government, the police and others.

Professor Alexis Jay, Chair of the Inquiry, said:

“The Inquiry has a significant programme of work underway.  We have held five public hearings and eight seminars. We have published the findings from two hearings and many research reports. Over 1,000 victims and survivors have now participated in the Truth Project.

“The Interim Report draws all this together and provides a clear account of our work so far.  It sets out the key themes emerging from our work and where the Panel and I identify changes which we think will help better protect children, we say so.  This report includes 18 new recommendations.

“We have much work still to do and evidence to hear - we will hold a further eight public hearings in the next 12 months alone, but we are making good progress.  

“I indicated in December 2016 that I expected the Inquiry to have made substantial progress by 2020. I believe we are on target to do that and to make recommendations which should help to ensure that children are better protected from sexual abuse in the future.”