Report of the Cornwall Inquiry : Rapport de la Commission d'enqut̊e sur Cornwall

The Order-in-Council establishing this Commission set out the mandate: 2. The Commission shall inquire into and report on the institutional response of the justice system and other public institutions, including the interaction of that response with other public and community sectors, in relation to: (a) allegations of historical abuse of young people in the Cornwall area, including the policies a [...] This portion of the mandate required me to inquire into and report on the events surrounding allegations of abuse of young people in Cornwall by examining the 1 2 REPORT OF THE CORNWALL INQUIRY — VOLUME 4 response of the justice system and other public institutions to the allegations. [...] The experts described the emotional bond that the child may have with the adult perpetrator of the abuse. [...] The long-term effects of child abuse in non-familial settings are connected to the nature of the relationship of the victim with the abuser, the significance of the setting, and the nature and the severity of the abuse. [...] The importance of the institution, the role of the perpetrator(s) in the institution or organization, and the community’s response to the allegations of abuse all have an impact on the long-term effects of the abuse on the victim.