Survivor group pulls out of independent child abuse inquiry

"A victims’ group has said it is formally withdrawing from the national inquiry into child sexual abuse, claiming the investigation is `not fit for purpose`."

"Survivors of Organised and Institutional Abuse (Soia) said it announced the decision with `deep regret` but felt the inquiry was not serving the needs of victims."

"The group said survivors have been `totally marginalised` from the process, adding that the inquiry had descended into a `very costly academic report writing and literature review exercise`."

"It comes after the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (Sosa) – one of the largest victims’ groups involved – pulled out of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), describing it as a `stage-managed event` which has `lurched from crisis to crisis`."

"Soia, part of the national WhiteFlowers survivor and whistleblower campaign, said in a statement: `It is with deep regret that Soia announces its withdrawal from the inquiry`."

"`We emphasise that each of us will continue to vigorously campaign outside of the IICSA, for the rights of survivors of organised and institutional abuse to justice and healing`."

"Soia, which had four core participants involved in the process, said it supported the concerns aired by Sosa in November."

"It added: `We wish to thank all those who have contributed time, effort and their own money to WhiteFlowers and Soia`."

"`However, we believe that, despite our efforts, IICSA remains not fit for purpose`."

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/13/inquiry-into-child-sexual-abuse-not-fit-for-purpose-claims-victims-group