Through their new role on the Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel, Kit and Nujoji, who both experienced child sexual abuse, will advise the Inquiry on how best to listen to and reach victims and survivors.
Kit founded the 17 Percent of Men community support group to support men, particularly in rural areas, who were sexually abused in childhood.
Nujoji runs his own psychotherapy practice and works with a range of victims and survivors in both the community and with the NHS in prisons.
Kit Shellam said:
“When the Inquiry makes its recommendations, it is essential that the voices of male victims and survivors, particularly those in rural communities, are heard. I hope my contribution to the vital work of the Inquiry will bring about real change to help protect children both now and in the future.
“I believe that together we can break the silence concerning the sexual abuse of young boys.”
Nujoji Calvocoressi said:
“I sincerely hope that the work of the Inquiry and the VSCP will reach far and wide and contribute to children growing up without the fear or fact of being sexually abused and to ease some of the suffering and distress that adult victims and survivors have had to endure for far too long.
“I want my role on the Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel to reflect the experiences that have been shared with me and to represent those people who so often feel they do not have a voice.”
Inquiry Chair, Professor Alexis Jay OBE said:
“Kit and Nujoji are a welcome addition to the Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel. The work they do outside of the Inquiry shows their dedication to helping and supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
“The perspectives of Kit and Nujoji will provide a real and valuable contribution to the work of the Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel.”