Victims" Group "Deeply Suspicious" of Handling of Sex Abuse Inquiry

STV
March 9, 2015

http://news.stv.tv/west-central/313175-victims-group-deeply-suspicious-of-handling-of-sex-abuse-inquiry/

A group representing victims of sex abuse in Scotland says it is becoming "deeply suspicious" over the handling of a public inquiry into the issue.

The group says organisations which may ultimately face criticism at the end of the inquiry are being asked to help decide its remit in private meetings.

Chris Daly, a survivor of institutional abuse, said: "We have concerns here in Scotland that if the Scottish Government and those setting up this inquiry don't shape it in the right way, we will end up in the same position as what happened down south where we have people appointed to chair the inquiry who are wholly unsuitable and not acceptable to survivors.

"We have concerns that the Scottish Government won't listen to us in relation to that and we'll have the totally wrong characteristics of a chair.

"We also have concerns that if the make-up of the inquiry was just one person, then we would have difficulty with that.

The Scottish Government say that if and when crimes are expose "the full force of the law" will be used against the perpetrators.

A spokeswoman said: "In her statement to Parliament confirming that there would be a statutory public inquiry into historical child abuse in Scottish institutions, the cabinet secretary was absolutely clear that where crimes are exposed, the full force of the law will be available to bring perpetrators to account and that the Lord Advocate has been consulted to ensure that the inquiry does not compromise or interfere with on-going criminal investigations and prosecutions.

"We are currently holding events for survivors and their families to share their views on the terms of reference of the Inquiry, with the details due to be finalised before the end of April.

"We are grateful to INCAS for its members’ support in encouraging others to take part in these events or by submitting their views in writing, online or through the telephone helpline to ensure that survivors’ voices are reflected in setting the scope of the Inquiry.

"We are also accepting submissions and holding separate events for care providers and survivor support organisations. We are taking every effort to ensure that everyone with relevant information is able to provide it in a way that is sensitive to the needs of survivors."

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