Our thanks to Douglas for this:
“In recent evenings, I have heard advertisements on the radio for the Truth Project. There is one advert spoken by a man and one spoken by a woman, so it seems they are not being overtly sexist.
The Truth Project is part of an Inquiry commissioned by the Home Office into child sexual abuse in England or Wales. No doubt a great many women are relating their events and I think it is important that the Inquiry is also given the men’s/boy’s perspectives.
The project is part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) which was set up in 2015 to investigate organisations and institutions that have failed to protect children from sexual abuse. The objective is given as a need to understand the past to help protect children now and in the future.
People can get in touch on the Inquiry Information line on: 0800 917 1000 (weekdays 8am-8pm, Saturdays 10am-12pm). Calls are free and do not show on your bill. They may also email share@truthproject.org.uk or using our online form. They can even write to Freepost IICSA INDEPENDENT INQUIRY (no stamp required).
Child sex abuse is defined as that which involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities. The activities may involve physical contact and non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse including via the internet. Child sexual abuse includes child sexual exploitation.
For the Inquiry to be interested, the abuse must involve an organisation which failed in their duty of care to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation by either inaction or incorrect/unhelpful action. The organisations they consider include both State and non-State institutions such as Government departments, the police or prosecuting authorities, schools, local authorities (including care homes and children’s services), health services, prisons, and churches.
Men who have suffered sexual abuse as a child and were let down by an organisation may find some release in talking to the Truth Project and some satisfaction in playing a part to stop it in future.”
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