Shame stops children reporting abuse in religious institutions

Testimonies for independent inquiry reveal how abusers use beliefs to manipulate victims

Children who were sexually abused in religious institutions often did not disclose assaults and mistreatment because they felt ashamed and guilty, says a report from the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse (IICSA).

Almost one in five of those abused reported a loss of faith as a direct consequence of experiences, according to testimonies given to the inquiry's Truth Project.