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IICSA published its final Report in October 2022. This website was last updated in January 2023.

Welsh victims and survivors to join Inquiry panel

15 August 2017
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse announces that May Baxter-Thornton and Emma Lewis will join the Victim and Survivor Consultative Panel.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse announces that May Baxter-Thornton and Emma Lewis will join the Victim and Survivor Consultative Panel.

Through their new role on the Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel, May and Emma, who both experienced child sexual abuse, will advisethe Inquiry on how best to reach and listen to victims and survivors in Wales.

May has over 16 years’ experience working with victims and survivors of both domestic abuse and child sexual abuse. She is from Newport.

Emma, from Swansea grew up in care and has dedicated the last 20 years to helping young people make a smooth transition out of care.

May Baxter-Thornton said:

“When the Inquiry makes its recommendations, it is essential that the voices of Welsh victims and survivors are heard.

“I promise to be a voice for them, making sure the Inquiry is able to reflect upon and consider their real, lived experiences.”

Emma Lewis said:

“It is a privilege to be asked to champion the interests of Welsh victims and survivors to the Inquiry.

“I want my role on the Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel to really count and to ensure that children in Wales are better protected in the future.”

Inquiry Chair, Professor Alexis Jay OBE said:

“May and Emma have demonstrated a proven commitment to reaching and supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in Wales.

“The Welsh perspective May and Emma offer will provide a vital contribution to the work of the Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel.”

The Inquiry first opened in Wales in November 2016, and since then has met with victims and survivors, and experts in the field of child sexual abuse in locations including Swansea, Newport, Cardiff and Caernarfon.

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