Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)
You can read the Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings report here.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse was set up in the wake of serious and high profile instances of non-recent child sexual abuse, and because the government had grave concerns that some organisations were failing to protect children from sexual abuse.
Its remit is wide ranging, and as a statutory inquiry it has the unique authority to investigate where institutions have let children down in the past. Through its investigations and public hearings it is examining what went wrong and why.
The inquiry findings and the evidence it gathers will inform its recommendations to help better protect children in the future.
The Inquiry has three core elements:
The Truth Project, which concluded in October 2021, gave more than 6,000 victims and survivors of child sexual abuse an opportunity to share their experiences with the Inquiry and put forward suggestions for change. This listening exercise was set up because the Inquiry recognised that victims and survivors could provide a uniquely-informed contribution to understanding and learning from past mistakes and improving child protection in the future.
The Research and Analysis Project conducts new research, including analysis of the information the Inquiry receives through the Truth Project.
The Public Hearings Project resembles a conventional public inquiry, where witnesses give evidence on oath and are subject to cross examination. The programme of public hearings is now complete. Investigation reports are published at the conclusion of each case study, and the information gathered will inform the Chair and Panel’s recommendations in the Inquiry’s Final Report.