A public inquiry to be announced in Scotland

Mr Alan Draper, an academic who compiled a report for the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland, said he hoped the inquiry would bring a "cascade of change" and begin to reform the law so that abuse survivors would not be prevented from seeking justice.

"A public inquiry into historical sex abuse is to be announced this week, BBC Scotland has learned."

"The move, to be confirmed by Scottish government ministers, is supported by opposition parties."

"The announcement is expected to confirm a timetable, although the precise terms of reference have yet to be drawn up."

The move follows a number of scandals involving the abuse of children in care, including at institutions run by the Roman Catholic church."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-30475171

Update 17.12.2014
"The Scottish government has announced a statutory public inquiry into the historical abuse of children in care. Education Secretary Angel Constance said the inquiry would have powers to force witnesses to give evidence. She said abusers would "face the full force of the law" where it brought to light evidence of crimes."

"Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Constance said the full remit of the inquiry would be confirmed by the end of April 2015, following discussions with the survivors of abuse, which would begin in January..."

"Her announcement came 10 years after former First Minister Jack McConnell offered an apology to victims of abuse in children's homes, but at the time stopped short of agreeing to a full public inquiry."

"Prof Andy Kendrick, head of the university's school of social work, said: "It is a testament to survivors that we have reached the point of an inquiry. This follows a long campaign by survivors to achieve justice."

"Alison McInnes, of the Liberal Democrats, told MSPs that victims had "long cried out" for an inquiry but said they must get proper support when interacting with it."

Previous inquiries into institutional child abuse in Scotland have included the Shaw Review, which in 2007 called for a new centre to help victims, and the 2009 probe into the treatment of vulnerable youngsters at the former Kerelaw Residential Unit in Ayrshire.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-30515198