Susan O’Brien QC to lead public inquiry into historical child abuse

SCOTLAND
BBC News

One of Scotland’s leading QCs will chair a statutory public inquiry into historical abuse of children in care.

Susan O’Brien’s remit will include allegations of abuse in institutions, foster care, long-term hospital care and boarding schools.

Education Secretary Angel Constance said the inquiry would have powers to force witnesses to give evidence.

She had previously said abusers would “face the full force of the law”.

The minister also confirmed the Scottish government intends to lift the three-year time bar on civil actions.

This will include compensation claims for damages in cases of historical abuse that took place after 1964.

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