Child abuse inquiries

There are a number of UK inquiries investigating non-recent child abuse. Find out more about the major ones below.

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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
Please call our support line if you need to talk to someone soon, and try at different times if you have difficulty getting through.

England and Wales – the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) was set up because of serious concerns that some organisations had failed and were continuing to fail to protect children from sexual abuse. IICSA was established by the Home Secretary on Thursday 12 March 2015 as a statutory inquiry under the 2005 Inquiries Act.

Through IICSA’s Truth Project, which concluded in October 2021, thousands of victims and survivors were able to give their accounts and opinions, in their own words, and be listened to respectfully and have their feelings acknowledged.

The Inquiry’s Legacy project, announced in August 2022, has placed benches and plaques at around 200 locations, inscribed with uplifting messages from Truth Project participants. Each chosen for reflection or to spark conversation, assuring victims and survivors they have been, and will continue to be, heard.

IICSA released its final report in October 2022, which included a number of recommendations such as mandatory reporting and the implementation of a national redress scheme for England and Wales.

 Find out more about IICSA and the Legacy Project.

 

Scotland – the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry

The Scottish Child Abuse 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.”

www.childabuseinquiry.scot

 

Northern Ireland – the Hart Inquiry

The Hart 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

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.

http://www.jerseycareinquiry.org/