The Scottish Government has come in for strong criticism for a 13-year delay to in setting up a public inquiry into child abuse in Scotland.
The Inquiry was finally established by the Scottish Government in 2015 despite calls for it to be set up since 2002.
South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle raised the issue in Holyrood after the Inquiry’s Chair, Lady Smith, described the delay as “woeful and wholly avoidable”. The inquiry’s latest findings have been damning about the response of the Scottish Government, accusing them of ineptitude and confusion as well as suggestions that officials had tried to take control of the process and ministers failed to engage with survivors.
Scottish Conservative Brian, who has been working on this issue since being approached by a constituent several years ago, blasted the Scottish Government for its mishandling of the situation and failure to properly support survivors.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“The calls from survivors of childhood sexual abuse for a public enquiry went unanswered in Scotland for entirely too long. The effects of such a traumatic experience last a lifetime and it’s an embarrassment that successive governments failed to provide the help they needed.
It’s a testament to the strength of those campaigning for the public inquiry that they stuck with it for 13 years, despite the failures of the Scottish Government. However, even with the inquiry finally up and running, it’s clear there’s still far more to be done in order for survivors to get the justice they deserve.
Despite assurances and warm words from the Scottish Government about measures to provide compensation to survivors and give them the opportunity to have their story heard, the reality isn’t living up to the promise.
I welcome Lady Smith’s report and will continue to press the Scottish Government to ensure that those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse get the support they need.”
