Survivors of child sexual abuse urged to come forward

Survivors of child sexual abuse in our region are being encouraged to share their experiences as part of a major inquiry set up by the government.

A campaign has been launched ahead of events in Newcastle next month where victims can speak, confidentially, to the Truth Project.

The Truth Project is part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which is looking into child protection failings within UK institutions, and will produce recommendations to the government on how to protect children better in the future.

The Inquiry is also currently holding public hearings to hear evidence about child abuse within the Roman Catholic Church, including at the prestigious Ampleforth College in North Yorkshire.

May Baxter-Thornton is a member of the Inquiry's Victims and Survivors Consultative Panel.

She says she moved to the North East to escape sexual abuse at the hands of her father, which she believes happened when she was aged between 5 and 10.

Anyone who wishes to contact the Truth Project can visit the website truthproject.org.uk or phone 0800 917 1000.