Child sex abuse inquiry holds Truth Project in South West

An independent inquiry into child sexual abuse holds its first Truth Project in the South West today (Monday), giving victims and survivors the chance to put their experiences on record with a trained facilitator.

They are promised support through the process and are able to take a companion with them.

The Truth Project has no legal consequences, however accounts will be published anonymously and they will inform the inquiry’s recommendations to keep children safe in future.

Across England and Wales, 600 victims and survivors have already indicated they wish to speak with the Truth Project and sessions have already taken place in the North West, North East, Wales and London.

The South West Truth Project offices are accessible by car, bus and train and the inquiry will cover travel expenses.

David Poole, head of the South West inquiry office, said: “The Truth Project has now opened in the South West to learn from the experiences of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse here.

"We can provide those who want to come forward with a comfortable and welcoming environment in which to talk in confidence, to someone who is really listening to them.”

Inquiry chairman Alexis Jay said: “All victims and survivors who speak to the inquiry’s Truth Project can be assured that we’ll listen to what they have to say in a supportive environment.

“These experiences could be the key to unlocking why mistakes were made in the past and providing us with evidence to underpin recommendations on how we can protect future generations.

"This cycle of institutional abuse must end if we are to create a better future for all our children.”

The independent inquiry was set up to examine failings by institutions or situations where abuse was reported and not dealt with properly at the time.

If you want to share your story, you can call the information line on 0800-9170000; visit the website by clicking here; or write to FREEPOST, Head Office.