Zoe Williams’ excellent article on the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse quotes some of those who participated in its Truth Project (What kind of society fails to protect children? British society. Here’s the proof, 20 October).
I am one of them, identified as Barbara. I was abused by a family member when I was 10 years old. The police found out about it and took me and the perpetrator to the police station. I was on my own when I was questioned and was made to feel like I had done something wrong. I felt like I was the criminal. I had flashbacks to that episode for years.
Nothing was done about the perpetrator and he attempted to abuse me again. I was offered no help whatsoever. Due to it being the 1960s, some may say that is how it was in those days, and there wasn’t the awareness that there is now. That doesn’t excuse the damage that was done to many children.
When I first found out about the Truth Project, I thought it didn’t apply to me, but they said it wasn’t just for victims of institutional abuse; it was for anyone who had been let down by the authorities.
I never told anyone what had happened and it has taken me years and lots of therapy to get over the abuse and the way I was treated by the police, but taking part in the Truth Project was a real turning point for me. Finally my suffering was being acknowledged and finally there is a record of the way I was treated by the police and neglected by social services.
I want to thank everyone involved in the project from the bottom of my heart. They did everything to make me feel comfortable.
When I think back to that horrible time, I now feel I have those people who helped me standing at my side and I am no longer that frightened child in the police station.
Name and address supplied
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