Grooming survivor quits 'toxic' inquiry

A SURVIVOR of child sexual abuse has quit the national inquiry into grooming gangs, citing a “toxic, fearful environment” and a “high risk of people feeling silenced all over again”.

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Fiona Goddard

In a resignation letter, Fiona Goddard said the process so far had involved “secretive conduct” with instances of “condescending and controlling language” used towards survivors.

Ms Goddard also expressed concern about the candidates shortlisted to chair the inquiry, one of whom is reportedly a former police chief and the other a social worker.

“This is a disturbing conflict of interest and I fear the lack of trust in services from years of failings and corruption will have a negative impact in survivor engagement with this inquiry,” she said.