What is the Truth Project?
The Truth Project offers the opportunity for victims and survivors to share their experience and be respectfully heard and acknowledged. By doing so, they will help the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse to better understand the long term impact of abuse. Their contribution will help the Inquiry to make recommendations about support needs, as well as challenging our assumptions of child sexual abuse.
When did the Inquiry begin holding Truth Project sessions?
The Inquiry first piloted the Truth Project in the North East in November 2015. Since then, the Inquiry has hosted nearly 2,000 Truth Project sessions in locations across England and Wales.
Where are the Truth Project sessions held?
The Inquiry is committed to making the Truth Project sessions as accessible as possible. The Inquiry has permanent offices across England and Wales hosting Truth Project sessions, and we’ve also hosted sessions in locations including Nottingham, Rochdale and Brighton.
Do victims and survivors have to share their experiences in person?
No, victims and survivors can share their experiences in writing, over the phone or in person.
Will participating in the Truth Project have any legal consequences?
It has no legal consequences. Victims and survivors do not need to prove what they are saying, and can choose what they share. They do not need to bring evidence or information to support what they say.
How will you protect the anonymity of victims and survivors?
The process has been designed to protect anonymity and confidentiality of victims and survivors. The information supplied will be anonymised and combined before consideration by the Chair and Panel members when reaching their conclusions and making recommendations for the future.
How will the Inquiry record the session? Many victims have been let down when they’ve reported abuse in the past
During the session, we will take a digital recording, and also handwritten notes. Recordings will be stored securely on the Inquiry system, and deleted from the digital recorder once uploaded and will only be accessed by those within the Inquiry that need to access it as part of their role.
Will victims and survivors have to share their experiences alone?
Victims and survivors will be able to bring one companion, who will be over the age of 18, with them. They will also have the option of bringing along a support worker.
Who will take victims and survivors accounts?
When a victim and survivor share their experience, they will be joined by the session Facilitator and Assistant Facilitator. A facilitator is there to listen and hear the experience being shared, in a calm and non judgemental way.
Will follow up support be available for victims and survivors?
Support is available for victims and survivors before, during and after their Truth Project session. Unless you’ve asked the Inquiry not to, a support worker will be assigned to you. They are there to help you throughout the process. Find out more about the support available here https://www.truthproject.org.uk/help-and-support
It’s expensive to travel to a Truth Project session.
The Inquiry can cover travel expenses for victims and survivors.
How has the Inquiry created a safe space for victims and survivors to share their experiences?
The Inquiry has worked carefully to create a safe space for victims and survivors. We have consulted closely with victims and survivors to share their experiences in a supportive environment.
Where can I read accounts previously shared with the Inquiry?
Over 100 accounts shared with the Inquiry are available to read online, in the first ever anthology dedicated to victims and survivors experiences.
https://www.truthproject.org.uk/experiences-shared
Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association 