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
InvestigationsWe are examining what went wrong and why, and will challenge those institutions responsible. The evidence we gather will inform our recommendations to help protect children in the future.
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 in writing, by video call, by phone or in person. To help protect the health of participants and staff, we have made some changes to sessions in person.
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.
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 if you have information to support our investigations please get in touch:
- You can call the Inquiry Information line on: 0800 917 1000 Open weekdays 8am-10pm, Saturday 10am-12pm. Calls are free and do not show on your bill.
- You can share your experience through the Truth Project, either by emailing us at contact@iicsa.org.uk or using our online form.
- You can write to us via Freepost IICSA INDEPENDENT INQUIRY (no stamp required) We are working hard to ensure you are still able to reach us this way but please be advised that due to the pandemic there may be a delay with postal correspondence.
You can call the Inquiry Information line on: 0800 917 1000 Open weekdays 8am-10pm, Saturday 10am-12pm. Calls are free and do not show on your bill.
You can share your experience through the Truth Project, either by emailing us at 
You can write to us via Freepost IICSA INDEPENDENT INQUIRY (no stamp required) We are working hard to ensure you are still able to reach us this way but please be advised that due to the pandemic there may be a delay with postal correspondence. 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 its report into the Roman Catholic Church.
Latest News
Latest News- The Inquiry has issued further updates on institutional responses to its recommendations.26 November
- The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse is holding a two week virtual public hearing in the second phase of its Residential Schools investigation, from 16 - 27 November.12 November
- The Catholic Church prioritised its own reputation over the welfare of vulnerable children for decades, according to a report published today (November 10) by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.9 November
Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel
The Inquiry’s Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel has welcomed two new members. Kit Shellam and Nujoji Calvocoressi will advise the Inquiry on how best to listen to and reach victims and survivors in all aspects of its work.
Hearings
HearingsIf you wish to attend Public Hearings you can view our investigation timetable or consider whether to apply for special status in a future investigation.
If you attend at the hearing centre, you may hear experiences of child sexual abuse which may impact you. We have support workers available at our hearing centre during public hearings. We can also suggest further help and support resources.
Deaf Assistance
Help and support specifically curated for deaf users and organisations