Inquiry finds sexual abuse survivors are being let down by the justice system

An independent inquiry looking at the aftermath of child sexual abuse and the legal process of claiming compensation has found that survivors are being let down by the justice system.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, led by Professor Alexis Jay who headed the inquiry into the Rotherham scandal, heard the experiences of abuse survivors from several care homes across the north. It also spoke to police officers, lawyers and insurance brokers over the course of 15 days.

The report says many had found the legal process "hostile and frustrating", with some feeling they were treated unfairly in court. Others said they had been left in litigation processes which had spanned decades.

The inquiry has made eight recommendations to help improve processes in the future. These include increasing signposting of criminal and civil compensation and forming a national register of public liability insurance policies.