Inquiry to hold further public hearing in Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings investigation

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse is holding a further week of public hearings in the Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings investigation, from 10 – 14 August.

Following the initial two week public hearing in May earlier this year, we will continue to examine child protection policies and safeguarding cultures in religious organisations in England and Wales.

These include Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptists, Methodists, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and non-conformist Christian denominations.

Evidence will be heard from a wide range of witnesses, including victims and survivors, religious organisations, charities, local authorities, central government and third sector bodies who provide training and support in the field.

This investigation will focus on the measures religious organisations employ to keep children safe from sexual abuse and to properly handle safeguarding concerns.

Set to take place virtually, proceedings will be streamed live on the Inquiry’s website.

Witnesses will continue to be supported by the Inquiry’s Support and Safeguarding team, through phone and video calls.

The timetable for the hearing is available on the website here.