Victimization, Care and Justice: Reflections on the Experiences of Victims/Survivors Involved in Large-scale Historical Investigations of Child Sexual Abuse in Residential Institutions

Correspondence to Professor Matthew Colton, Centre for Applied Social Studies, School for Social Science and International Development, University of Wales Swansea, Science Tower, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK. Summary Large-scale investigations into historical child abuse in residentialinstitutions have been undertaken throughout the United Kingdom.This paper reflects on the experiences of those who give evidencein such investigations, drawing on interviews carried out withtwenty-four victims/survivors. Emerging themes include: thefactors which motivate victims/survivors to make disclosures;the impact on individuals of involvement in an investigation;the nature and effectiveness of help and support offered tovictims/survivors; the level of priority given to the needsof victims/survivors; and issues concerned with power and gender.The concluding discussion highlights vital issues for socialworkers and social services departments.