Child abuse inquiries
There are a number of inquiries going on into non-recent child abuse in the UK. Find out more about the major ones below.
We are here for you
Support line 0808 801 0331
We’re taking calls from 10am until 9pm Mondays to Thursdays, and 10am until 6pm on Fridays
We are a very small team and it can be difficult to get through. Please try at different times rather than re-dialling repeatedly as our team dedicate time to finish each call.
We offer 30 minutes of supportive listening with signposting if that is relevant to your needs, but we cannot offer on-going support or counselling.
We also offer support by email support@napac.org.uk
There is currently a longer wait than usual but we do reply to all emails. Please call our support line if you need to talk to someone soon, and try at different times if you have difficulty getting through.
Stress can trigger a flashback. Listen to our grounding tips for flashbacks NAPAC's flashbacks and grounding tips
Read our popular series of six booklets for survivors or listen to them in audio.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) service update
Everyone feels anxious when there is a lot of uncertainty. If you suffered abuse in childhood you might be finding things especially difficult while coronavirus (COVID-19) is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
England and Wales – The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), has been set up to investigate the extent to which institutions have failed to protect children from sexual abuse in England and Wales. IICSA was established by the Home Secretary on Thursday 12 March 2015 as a statutory inquiry under the 2005 Inquiries Act.
The Inquiry will make practical recommendations to ensure that children are given the care and protection they need.
Victims and survivors can share their experiences, so that IICSA can make recommendations that will help prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in the future. This part of their work is called the Truth Project: Share Your Experience
Scotland
The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
This inquiry was set up to investigate the nature and extent of abuse of children whilst in care in Scotland, during the relevant time frame.
On 26 March 2016 the Inquiry launched its first formal call for evidence, inviting survivors of abuse to come forward and share their experiences.
Lady Smith, the Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, said: “I would encourage anyone who is able to provide information about such abuse or about the places where it occurred or about those responsible for them, whether as victim, witness or otherwise, to come forward. Talk to us. We want to hear from you.”
Northern Ireland
The Hart Inquiry, Northern Ireland
The Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995, Chaired by Antony Hart, listened to the experiences of those who were children in residential institutions (other than schools) in Northern Ireland.
The Hart inquiry report is available here Hart inquiry A compensation scheme for survivors of child abuse in children’s homes across Northern Ireland could result in £97 million being awarded in redress to survivors. The NI Executive Office website will have details. NI Executive Office
Jersey
The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry investigated the abuse of children in Jersey’s care system over many years. The inquiry heard final submissions from Interested Parties. Transcripts and the findings were published on Monday, 3 July, 2017.