The Israeli Independent Public - Abstract of the Inquiry Report - December 2021

Fourth message: Don’t give up

“The victim needs you more than anything in the world. They need to hear they’re OK, that it’s not their fault, that they’re loved, that they’re important to you, that you’re with them, that you believe for them that things will get better. Don’t leave them alone.” The messages that the survivors wish to convey are vital for child victims and their families – “The reactions of family members are critical for the possibility of a good life.” These messages illustrate the need for acceptance and support felt by survivors, and the need to know there is someone by their side after the abuse they suffered. The dynamics of intra-familial sexual abuse place survivors in a situation of daily survival in an environment on which they depend and that is necessary for their physical survival, but at the same time one that preserves the abuse and ensures their entrapment in every possible way. The inquiry members wish to emphasize that preventing sexual abuse and protecting child victims requires understanding and recognition of the unique characteristics of intra-familial sexual abuse. Different forms of sexual abuse must be viewed differently, and intra-familial sexual abuse is extremely complex and requires unique understanding. | 2. Society Due to the trauma caused by the sexual abuse they suffered as children, many survivors must endure serious consequences on the social level. Analysis of the testimonies reveals that many survivors have difficulty functioning socially, developing interpersonal relationships, and participating in society in an active and consistent way. Beyond the many difficulties encountered by survivors, over 10% of the testimonies submitted to the inquiry concern feelings of loneliness and detachment from society felt by survivors, not just

The Israeli Independent Public Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

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