Barry Bennell victim criticises 'woeful' NHS support for child sex abuse survivors

Abuse survivor Ian Ackley met with the Duke of Cambridge. Credit: PA

A survivor of child sexual abuse has spoken of the "woeful" support he was offered by the NHS as a new report criticises the lack of help offered to victims.

Ian Ackley, who was abused by paedophile football coach Barry Bennell in the early 1980s, called for more funding to help people who have suffered to access mental health services.

It comes as a new report found that only 16% of child sex abuse survivors felt their needs were met.

Ian Axley met with the Duke of Cambridge. Credit: PA

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse's report found just 16% of survivors of child sexual abuse felt their needs were met by NHS mental health services.

Mr Ackley said he first sought mental health support in the early 1990s after Bennell was arrested, and then required further assistance from a charity when Bennell's abuse hit the headlines again in 2016.

Serial paedophile Barry Bennell was branded "the devil incarnate" by a judge.

Bennell, a former football coach, was jailed for 30 years in 2018 for subjecting junior players from Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra to dozens of sexual offences.

Related:

A government spokesman said "Child sexual abuse is an abhorrent crime and today's report lays bare the emotional and psychological scars it can leave on its victims."

"This Government is working to tackle child sexual abuse by bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring victims receive the support they need."