Mp Tessa Munt's Inbox Is Full after Her Child Sex Abuse Revelations

Western Daily Press
July 11, 2014

http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/MP-s-inbox-revelations/story-21449395-detail/story.html

MP Tess Munt's inbox is full after her child sex abuse revelations

Hundreds of child abuse victims and their loved ones have contacted MP Tessa Munt asking for her help since she admitted she had been abused as a child.

Survivors, families, friends, police solicitors and social workers have all been in touch, urging her to ensure the issue is not swept under the carpet.

The Wells MP says being inundated with the stories of victims has made her more determined than ever to try and expose any organised cover up and fight for justice.

Mrs Munt was one of seven MPs who set the ball rolling on a campaign which eventually led to Home Secretary Theresa May announcing an inquiry into historical paedophile allegations against the establishment.

After being directly asked about her involvement on Radio 4, Mrs Munt said she had been abused as a child, sparking an avalanche of mail from across the country.

Liberal Democrat Mrs Munt who has not revealed the full circumstances of what happened but said she was a teenager at the time, had not spoken about it for many years and had been helped by counselling, family and friends.

But the honesty of such a high-profile figure has encouraged others to come forward. She said: "On Monday this week, I welcomed the Home Secretary's announcement that a full, independent inquiry would be established into allegations of systematic and organised covering up of evidence into alleged child sexual abuse.

"This followed a long campaign by a cross party group of seven MPs. Each of us is determined to seek justice for those who have experienced child abuse. Whilst explaining what had driven us to seek this Inquiry, I spoke publicly for the first time about my own experiences as a survivor of abuse as a child. By speaking out, I hoped to offer encouragement to other victims to do so too – so that this independent inquiry is the one that changes things. I want victims to be heard, listened to, and wherever possible, for action to be taken."

But she says she was unprepared for the reaction she received after going public and is currently trying to work her way through the list of everybody who contacted her.

"Since Monday, I have received an absolute avalanche of emails, texts, letters and phone calls from other survivors – literally hundreds and hundreds of people, some victims, others family members of victims, and even solicitors, barristers, social workers who want to be sure the truth is known,' she said urging people to be patient.

Mrs Munt has warned the Government she will be "watching like a hawk" to make sure inquiries get to the bottom of the allegations of abuse.

Theresa May announced a full, independent inquiry into a pattern of 'lost', suppressed or destroyed evidence about paedophile rings and is likely to feature prominent politicians, celebrities and other high-profile members of the establishment.

Mrs Munt writes for the Western Daily Press on Saturday.