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

IICSA Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse in the context of religious institutions

Impacts of abuse

Participants spoke extensively about the life-long impact of their experiences of sexual abuse in religious contexts. Many participants described the detrimental impact the abuse had on their mental health. Notable amongst those who had experienced abuse in a religious context were feelings of guilt and loss of religious faith. A high percentage of participants sexually abused in religious contexts also reported an impact on their sexual behaviour.

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