14th Jul 2015
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)
The IICSA has now been launched to investigate historic child abuse throughout England & Wales, although it will be liaising with other high profile Inquiries, such as the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry and the Australian Royal Commission into institutional child sexual abuse. By using a joined up approach, it is hoped that lessons may be learned and important information shared to make changes to improve the way we undertake child protection in the future. It has been commissioned due to the numerous allegations of both historic and current of sexual abuse within a range of institutions including children’s homes, local authorities, schools, the police and the armed forces; charitable organisations such as the Scouts; within churches and amongst high profile organisations such as the BBC. Its task is not to prosecute individuals, but rather to look at the failings of State and non-State organisations to safeguard children and to identify what improvements have been made already and what further changes are required.
The Inquiry is headed up by New Zealand High Court Judge the Honourable Lowell Goddard who has recently chaired a 12 month inquiry into the Police Conduct, Practices, Policies and Procedures relating to the investigation of child abuse New Zealand. She is highly regarded as being at the forefront of criminal law and procedure. Goddard is supported by a panel of specialist academics and barristers. Their role is to obtain and evaluate evidence from a wide range of sources. It is hoped to publish a report by the end of 2018 with recommendations for the improvement in child protection and welfare.
The Inquiry has been divided into three principles: the Research Project which will review literature and analyse the published work that has considered the historic failings in child protection. The Truth Project will enable victims of historic sexual abuse to share their experiences on a confidential and anonymised basis. Thirdly, the Public Inquiry Project will resemble the conventional role of a public Inquiry where witnesses will be called to give evidence and cross examined. Each hearing should last around six weeks and may relate to a particular individual who seems to have failed to prevent child abuse in institutional settings, or it may focus on an institution who has demonstrated repeated failings in child protection.
Part of the Truth Project is to obtain evidence from survivors of historic childhood sexual abuse and if you wish to take part in the Inquiry, visit the IICSA website at www.csa-inquiry.independent.gov.uk. The website explains the terms of reference of the Inquiry and provides a helpline and contact details for those who would like to share their experiences with a member of the Inquiry.
Robsonshaw solicitors specialise in representing victims of sexual abuse. We act for victims of sexual abuse throughout England and Wales. Should you wish to discuss your case on a confidential no obligation basis with our specialist solicitors, please contact us on enquiries@robsonshaw.uk.
Category: News Updates