Helping protect children from sexual abuse now and in the future
Who we are
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, chaired by Professor Alexis Jay OBE (pictured), was set up because of serious concerns that some organisations had failed and were continuing to fail to protect children from sexual abuse. Our remit is huge, but as a statutory inquiry we have unique authority to address issues that have persisted despite previous inquiries and attempts at reform.
Investigations
InvestigationsAlthough our programme of public hearings is now complete, work is ongoing and all information gathered will inform the Chair and Panel’s recommendations in the Inquiry’s Final Report.
Research
ResearchWe have an ambitious research programme which will fill gaps in the knowledge about child sexual abuse and make sure our recommendations are informed by the latest learning.
The Truth Project
Our Truth Project offers the opportunity for victims and survivors to share their experience and be respectfully heard and acknowledged. By doing so, they will help us to better understand the long term impact of abuse. Their contribution will help us make recommendations about support needs, as well as challenging our assumptions of child sexual abuse.
You can share your experience by phone, video call or in writing. To protect your health, we are following Government lockdown instructions and can no longer offer the opportunity to share your experience in person. Find out more.
We encourage you to share your experience before the Truth Project concludes in 2021.
Experiences Shared
These are some of the experiences of child sexual abuse shared with the Truth Project. All names and identifying details have been changed.
Inquiry timeline
Discover our interactive timeline, which charts the progress of the Inquiry from its establishment in 2015 to the present day.
Quarterly Statistics
Quarterly StatisticsThe Inquiry is providing a statistical update on the three strands of our work.
Recommendations
RecommendationsThe Chair and Panel make recommendations which are published as part of the conclusions in an Inquiry report.
Get in touch
If you wish to ask a question about the Inquiry or would like to find out more about sharing your experience, please contact us, or see our Victims and survivors page. You can get in touch using any of the options below, but please don’t give details of any abuse at this stage.
- Call us on 0800 917 1000. The line is open 9am – 5pm on weekdays. Calls are free and do not show on your bill.
- Email us at contact@iicsa.org.uk.
- Write to us: Freepost IICSA INDEPENDENT INQUIRY. You do not need a stamp.
- Use our online form: The Truth Project - Get in touch form
Call us on 0800 917 1000. The line is open 9am – 5pm on weekdays. Calls are free and do not show on your bill. 
Email us at 
Write to us: Freepost IICSA INDEPENDENT INQUIRY. You do not need a stamp.
We aim to respond to all calls, emails and letters within 15 working days, however, it may take longer to respond in busier periods.
Latest report
Latest reportThe Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published our Children in the care of Lambeth Council investigation report.
Latest News
Latest News- Children in the care of Lambeth Council were subjected to levels of cruelty and sexual abuse that are hard to comprehend, a new report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has found. The Inquiry is calling for a criminal investigation to be considered into the handling of the case of a child who died in care. Children in care were found to be pawns in a toxic power game within Lambeth Council and between the Council and central government.27 July
- The Inquiry is encouraging victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to register for a telephone or video Truth Project session before 31 July 2021, when applications close. Written accounts will be welcomed until the end of October 2021.26 July
- Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse who would like to share their experience with the Truth Project via phone or video call are encouraged to register before 31 July 2021, when applications close. Written accounts will be welcomed until the end of October 2021.19 July
Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel
The Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel assists and advises the Inquiry on all aspects of its work.
Deaf Assistance
Help and support specifically curated for deaf users and organisations