Child sexual abuse survivors urged to help major inquiry

PROJECT TO LISTEN TO VICTIMS

VICTIMS of child sexual abuse in the North East are being encouraged to share their experiences as part of a Government inquiry.

A campaign has been launched where victims can speak in a supportive and confidential environment to the Truth Project.

It is part of an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse, which will look into child protection failings within UK institutions.

Recommendations will then be issued to the Government on how to create a safer place for youngsters in the future.

The inquiry is piloting a campaign next month to raise awareness of the project and will feature on billboards, posters and radio stations in Newcastle.

Drusilla Sharpling, inquiry panel member and head of the Truth Project, said: “People from all walks of life experience child sexual abuse.

“Whoever you are, and whatever your background, the Truth Project is here to listen to you.

“The experiences victims and survivors share with the inquiry will help us make recommendations to keep children safe in future, so that institutions and individuals can never again say, ‘we did not know’.”

Peter Saunders, victims and survivors’ consultative panel member, added: “Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse often tell me they’ve been silenced, ignored and failed by organisations they trusted.

“We cannot change what went wrong in the past but by talking to the Truth Project, together, we can help to protect the next generation.”

Anyone who wishes to contact the Truth Project can visit www. truthproject.org.uk or call 0800 917 1000.