News & Updates

Inquiry Update April 2021

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Inquiry update April 2021
 

Dear Colleague

In this month’s e-bulletin we’ll be covering four important updates around the work of the Inquiry and wider issues around child sexual abuse.

We start with a short video discussion on the trauma informed approach and how it’s implemented within the Inquiry’s work.

A new report, Engagement with support services from ethnic minority communities, has been published today. It finds that victims and survivors of ethnic minority communities do not trust the police or social care.

Following the Football Association’s report on abuse allegations within football, we’ve been reflecting on child sexual abuse in sports and have included former Manchester City player Paul Stewart’s words below.

Finally, as the Truth Project comes to a close in October this year, survivors of child sexual abuse are encouraged to share their experiences.

 
 

The importance of being trauma informed

We’ve asked the Inquiry’s Clinical Lead, Tom Strannix to explain what the trauma informed approach is and how it’s implemented around the work of the Inquiry. In this short video Tom also discusses the impact of anxiety and coping with stress.
Ethnic minority survivors of child sexual abuse don’t trust police, says report

 

Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse from ethnic minority communities do not trust the police or social care, according to a new report, Engagement with support services from ethnic minority communities, published today (29 April) by the Inquiry.

The Inquiry spoke to 107 organisations over 18 months, with the majority saying that lack of trust in institutions and professionals prevented victims and survivors from disclosing or reporting child sexual abuse. The organisations the Inquiry spoke to included domestic and sexual violence support services, women’s groups, religious charities, mental health agencies and specific ethnic minority organisations.

 

The report detailed other key barriers to reporting child sexual abuse among these communities including language, closed communities, culture, shame and honour and education.

Please get in touch if you’d like to know more about this report or to arrange a meeting with the Engagement team.

 

 

Child sexual abuse in football

The Inquiry welcomes the Football Association’s Independent Review into Child Sexual Abuse in football between 1970 and 2005. The extensive review details a tragic and disturbing insight into abuses of power and trust within professional football. The Inquiry will take it into account when compiling its Final Report, due to be published in 2022.

Last month, BBC documentary Football’s Darkest Secret shone a light on the accounts of former footballers who described the sexual abuse they suffered and the power of finally coming forward. Speaking in the documentary was former Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur player Paul Stewart.
In a piece for the Guardian last year, Paul reflected on the findings of the Truth Project thematic report of sexual abuse in the context of sports and talked about his experience of coming forward:

“Speaking out about what happened more than four decades later was not a cure-all, but I would do it again if it meant other survivors felt more able to speak out about their experience. After all, if we are going to help tomorrow’s children, listening to and learning from their accounts is crucial.”
 

Working with care-experienced children at risk of exploitation

Care Appointments has published a blog by Emma Lewis, member of the Inquiry’s Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel (VSCP). In this blog she talks about her work with the Roots Foundation Wales, the risks and devastating impact of exploitation on young people, and the importance of ensuring they feel heard.

Get in touch if you’d like to know more about the VSCP or the Inquiry’s work in Wales.

 
Survivors of child sexual abuse encouraged to share with Truth Project before it concludes

The Inquiry’s Truth Project is drawing to a close in October 2021 so all of the accounts shared can be used to inform the findings and recommendations in the Inquiry’s Final Report, due to be published next year. Survivors can share their account over the phone, via video call or in writing.

Those who have come forward to the Truth Project have described feelings of empowerment, liberation, and hope for the future. Many said that by sharing their account, they hoped to help others who had been through a similar experience. Find out more about taking part and please share this update with your colleagues.

 
Email: [email protected]
To take part in, or learn more about our Truth Project, visit www.truthproject.org.uk