CCPAS Press Release
Click here to return to the CCPAS Press Release main page.
1 November 2007
PAST VICTIMS OF ABUSE SHOULD NOT WAIT FOR C of E CHILD ABUSE REVIEW BUT SHOULD COME FORWARD NOW,
The Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) today welcomed the Church of England's announcements concerning the proposed Review of past child abuse concerns, but emphasised that anyone with information should come forward now, not wait for the Review. CCPAS therefore calls on Dioceses to ensure that sufficient publicity is given to the review process, so that people who may have suffered abuse in the past, or who are aware of such issues involving other people, begin supplying information as soon as possible.
David Pearson, Executive Director of CCPAS, commented “Since the recent CofE announcement our helpline has received calls from alleged victims of past abuse. We recognise the important role for CCPAS and any other independent organisations with expertise in this area to help people to come forward as often people have not wanted to contact the church or statutory bodies directly.
“The Church of England has made a great stride forward with the Review; however, its success will also depend on the public having sufficient confidence in the Independent Reviewer who will be appointed by each bishop to review past case files.
“It is vital to find out whether there are still people in positions of responsibility who pose a threat to children. And secondly, any victims of past abuse need to be assured that they will see justice.
“As far as the individual Dioceses are concerned it will be very important that the process is done and dusted within the proposed 18 month time frame. This is so that anyone who has suffered abuse can draw a line under the issue, and able to move on with their lives and for the Church to be able to do this too.”
Media Enquiries: Iain Taylor
01732 461060 or 07979 914217
taylor.comm@tiscali.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
CCPAS is an independent Christian charity providing professional child protection advice and support across church denominations and organisations throughout the
CCPAS was established in 1977. It assists churches, organisations, social services and other child care agencies as well as individual children and families by: