Child sex abuse inquiry to focus on churches and politicians

UNITED KINGDOM
The Guardian

The independent inquiry into child sex abuse across the UK is to focus on the Anglican and Catholic church, local councils, schools and youth offender institutes and prominent figures in Westminster politics.

Outlining a dozen lines of inquiry which will each hold public hearings with victims, witnesses and experts, chair Justice Lowell Goddard said churches and councils in Lambeth, Nottinghamshire and Rochdale would be among the first areas investigated.

The investigation was set up last year following claims of a high-level cover-up of abuse and has been beset by delays following the resignations of two previous chairwomen. It will be Britain’s largest-ever public inquiry and is expected to take up to five years and cost tens of millions of pounds.

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