Legal Experts Say Departure Must Not Cause Survivors Further Suffering

Legal experts assisting with the inquiry into child sexual abuse say the resignation of Dame Lowell Goddard must not cause the survivors further anguish by delaying the process.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd insisted the inquiry would continue "without delay" and in the absence of a new chair.

The inquiry was set up in July 2014 to investigate allegations made against local authorities, religious organisations, the armed forces and public and private institutions in England and Wales, as well as people in the public eye.

Justice Goddard, a high court judge from New Zealand, was selected after two previous chairwomen quit.

Her resignation letter said that undertaking such a widespread inquiry was "not an easy task" but "compounding the many difficulties was its legacy of failure which has been very hard to shake off".

Some media critics described the resignation as a "crisis" for the inquiry.

Tracey Storey, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell and child abuse expert, is assisting the inquiry and advising survivors of child sexual abuse who want their voices heard, including victims of abuse from religious groups and those in the care of Lambeth council.

Our child abuse lawyers are committed to pursuing cases to the best possible outcome, without causing any additional psychological trauma to those affected. Call 0370 150 100 to talk confidentially to someone about making a claim or visit our Abuse & Criminal Injury Claims page for more information.