These are some of the experiences of child sexual abuse shared with the Truth Project by victims and survivors. All names and identifying details have been changed.
Download a PDF sample of accountsread full account of Kristophers experienceKristopher felt that abuse was a ‘normal’ part of the school environment
Kristopher was educated in Catholic schools in the 1960s.
He describes a regime of physical and psychological bullying and abuse run by staff, and an older pupil who sexually abused younger boys.
read full account of Isla-Roses experienceWhen Isla-Rose heard a talk at school about sexual assault, she realised her father was abusing her
Because Isla-Rose’s memories of being sexually abused by her father are fragmented, she has sometimes questioned her recollections.
She says ‘I think it is important to recognise that it’s not unusual for sexual abuse victims to doubt themselves, especially if the experience was very traumatic’.
read full account of Janines experienceJanine says ‘I thought that was how daddies showed love ... I scrubbed myself to get rid of the feeling’
Janine describes a childhood of fear, neglect and sexual abuse. Her mother had mental health difficulties and was emotionally unavailable and her father was an alcoholic.
The sexual abuse began when she was five years old and she has no clear memory of life before it.
read full account of Jonothans experienceJonothan says ‘The church is improving but it is still waking up to the key issue of responsibility’
Jonothan was groomed and sexually abused by a clergyman in his Anglican church.
As an adult, he is an active member of the Church of England, but he has serious concerns about safeguarding within the institution.
read full account of Caryls experienceCaryl’s father said to her ‘There’s no point you telling anyone … no one’s going to believe you’
Caryl was sexually abused by her father, who was a religious preacher and respected in the community.
When senior members of the religious group were told about his behaviour by her mother, the only action they took was to stop him working in the youth club.
read full account of Jenna-Louises experienceJenna-Louise says people should not go by appearances when children report sexual abuse by family members
Jenna-Louise was not believed when she tried to tell people she was being sexually abused by her foster brother and physically abused by her father.
She thinks this is because her father was a social worker and seen as ‘a good guy’.
read full account of Mals experienceMal says ‘I think a lot of things are moving in the right direction, but we need to keep that up’
Having been sexually abused as a child, Mal went on to build a career in safeguarding.
He has many insights and suggestions on the subject of child sexual abuse, from a personal and professional perspective.
read full account of Sonias experienceNow happy and successful, Sonia was sexually abused by her brother and failed by the police
Sonia describes herself as a happily married mother and a successful businesswoman, with an active family life full of laughter. She is a trustworthy and loyal friend and has a sarcastic sense of humour.
Of least importance to Sonia is that she is a victim of child sexual abuse. She listed this last as, whilst she knows that the abuse has affected and shaped certain aspects of her, it does not define her.
read full account of Marlins experienceMarlin says ‘Sixty years is long enough’ to wait to speak about the abuse he suffered as a child
Marlin’s mother was a devout Baptist and she readily agreed when a church official asked if her son would like to help with tasks in his office.
This man sexually abused Marlin, invoking the supposed anger of God to control him. He later involved other men in the abuse.
read full account of Dafydds experienceDafydd feels that his fight for justice about the abuse he experienced has consumed his life
Dafydd grew up in a violent household where his father would regularly beat him.
He was raped by a man known to the family. The difficulties and obstructions he has faced trying to get justice for what happened to him has added greatly to his frustration and anger.
read full account of Lanas experienceDespite clear signs that Lana was at risk, she was taken off the child protection register
Lana’s care records note that as a child she was isolated, vulnerable and unloved by her family.
It was also noted that her brother sexually abused her, but social services still returned her to her family.
read full account of Brooklyns experienceBrooklyn’s parents fought over her after they separated, but neither of them provided her with a safe home
Brooklyn was sexually abused by her father and stepfather.
She feels her experiences have robbed her of the ability to have a healthy relationship.