Speaking to the Truth Project, part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, survivors spoke of the devastating impacts of the abuse, the difficulties they faced in speaking out and how they hoped to help others by coming forward.
Sheryl says ‘I wish I had the courage to speak up sooner. The more people tell their stories the more awareness there will be’.
The Inquiry has today (10 February) published a further 50 accounts shared with its Truth Project, which for more than six years has provided an opportunity for survivors of child sexual abuse to share their experiences and put forward suggestions for change. The Truth Project came to a close in October last year so accounts shared can help to inform the Inquiry’s Final Report.
The Inquiry has also published its latest quarterly statistics, providing an update across all areas of its work, as well as illustrating the Inquiry’s engagement with victims and survivors over time.
Those who came forward to the Truth Project described sexual abuse taking place across a range of contexts, including residential care homes, schools and religious insitutions. They talked about those in authority turning a blind eye, or being encouraged to stay silent, ignored or threatened when they reported abuse. Some said they simply had no one to tell.
Felix says ‘You’re like a little child crying out in the wilderness and nobody’s listening’
Victims and survivors told the Truth Project about the struggles they faced in speaking out, describing fears of stigma or not being believed. Many spoke about the severe impact the sexual abuse has had across all aspects of their lives including relationships, education and work, as well as physical and mental health. For some, the effects have lasted years.
Nearly a decade after the abuse ended, Shannon says, ‘It still affects me now … it affects everything. The long-term effects are worse than the abuse’.
The experiences shared also describe changes that survivors hope to see in future, such as better education, greater awareness and more open conversations about the effects of child sexual abuse.
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