Letter of appreciation from victim to the Historical Abuse Team

RELEASED TO MEDIA AT 9.30 AM ON FRIDAY 7 MARCH 2008

ALL NAMES AND OTHER PERSONAL DETAILS REMOVED

LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM PERSON AFFECTED BY CHILD ABUSE

Dear  (officers names removed)

I understand this is probably a little unconventional; I would however like to take the opportunity to put into words my feelings in relation to our recent meetings.

Prior to our meeting, the thought of having to visit the “black area” of my life and relive the events of my past, having to actually face them again and talk about them in details, filled me with fear and utter dismay.

I thank your for your professionalism and compassion extended to me by the two of you, for the way that the “meetings” were conducted and mostly for the sense of relief I have finally been able to find after all this time.

Whilst finishing up with you on the last day I did experience a period of an emotional breakdown (yet again!), I can say now that a heavy weight has been lifted not only from my shoulders, but from my heart also. There is light at the end of the tunnel and I am now walking towards it!

So, thank you sincerely once again for your help (for want of a better word) and for giving me the ability to finally move forward.

With warmest regards,

Name removed

Responding to this much appreciated correspondence Lenny Harper leading the investigation said:-

“In view of the fact that the impact on the victims of these allegations seem to have been overlooked or minimised by some persons, this is an indication of the job that our officers are doing and how it is affecting those victims.

This is a communication received from a victim only yesterday”