More than 5,000 victims and survivors of child sexual abuse have now shared their account with the Truth Project, part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
The Truth Project provides a supportive and safe opportunity for survivors of child sexual abuse to share their experiences with the Inquiry, and put forward suggestions for change to keep children safe in future. Survivors can share their accounts in writing, over the phone, by video call and in person.
To protect the wellbeing of participants, the Inquiry has had to make some changes to the way in which we deliver in-person sessions. Further information on these changes can be found here.
Everyone who shares their experience makes an important contribution to the work of the Inquiry; accounts are analysed for research and help to inform recommendations for change to Government and other institutions.
Those who have come forward to the Truth Project have described feelings of liberation, empowerment, and hope for the future. Many said that by sharing their account, they hoped to help others who had been through a similar experience.
“This was the first time I have told my story in any depth. To be listened to and properly heard was an empowering experience...”
“I finally had the opportunity to have my voice heard. This has been the most important thing in my healing journey.”
“The whole experience made me feel valued and gave a little closure after many years of living with the damage my childhood experience did to my life.”
The Truth Project is drawing to a close next year so all of the experiences shared can be used to inform the findings and recommendations in the Inquiry’s final report, due to be published in 2022.
For sessions in person, participants will need to register their interest by the end of November 2020. Those who want to share via telephone or video call are asked to get in touch by the end of April 2021, while written accounts will be welcomed until mid-October 2021.
More information about sharing an experience is available on the Truth Project website.