How does the Truth Project work?

1 TELL US ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED

You may have suffered sexual abuse in an institution such as a school, place of worship or children’s home. Or you may have been abused by a family member, or someone else. When you reported it to a person in authority, they took no action, or any appropriate action, to protect you.

2 YOU WILL BE IN CONTROL

You can talk about your experience with a trained facilitator at a Truth Project location in England and Wales. You can tell us as much, or as little, as you want, so you will always be in control. An assistant facilitator will make notes and record your words. The session will take place in a safe and relaxed environment. If you prefer, you can write your account, make a video or record it.

3 YOUR PRIVACY IS PROTECTED

Your name will never be published, and you will not be identifiable in any reports. Although institutions (such as a church or school) may be named, individuals won’t be identified. No one will contact the police unless you want. The only exception is if a child is at risk of sexual abuse.

4 YOU’LL BE BELIEVED

The information you share may be deeply upsetting. No one will make judgements or ask you to prove anything – you will be believed.

5 YOU CAN INVITE SOMEONE ALONG

If you’d like to have a family member or friend with you to offer support while you share your experience, you’re welcome to invite them along to your face-to-face meeting. There will also be a support worker and a counsellor on hand.

6 YOU’LL BE SHAPING THE FUTURE

The Inquiry needs to hear about individual experiences to understand the scale and depth of institutional failures, and recommend changes. By taking part in the Truth Project, you’ll be helping to create a future that’s safer for children.