Speaking Out | BASW Blog by Julia Ross

Content Warning - this article contains references to sexual abuse.

We have heard this week more details of the appalling abuse of boys and young men by John Smyth within institutions of the Church of England. Many of us who have been watching with increasing concern about the silence and lack of action from Church leaders will have been relieved by the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

Whether this late act is a relief to people who were abused by Smyth – or to people abused by others in the many instances reported in Professor Alexis Jay’s Independent Inquiry in Child Sexual Abuse – we cannot immediately know. But in the aftermath of this latest scandal, let us be clear that, as evidenced time and time again, this is no one off event. It can’t be calmed or resolved by late apologies and regrets at delayed action, or indeed by yet another inquiry. 

As social workers, we know perhaps more than most, how totally devastating and destructive such abuse can be, especially when visited on vulnerable children too young to be able to defend themselves, barely able to understand the abuse for what it is. Yet so many do speak out, time and time again and with such courage and insistence. We witness their bravery and listen to what they have endured. Again and again.

So why is it apparently so difficult for those who knew about the abuse – and particularly those in a position of power to make a difference - to speak out and act meaningfully on behalf of victims? Let’s be clear, there are people today who know about other abuse taking place or having taken place in our institutions and establishments. Yet we hear on the news that people in powerful positions were uncomfortable acting against Smyth when he was alive, that they didn’t know the whole story and somehow censored their own curiosity. Why?  

As social workers, we are the guardians of the safeguarding arrangements for children, young people and adults. As such we carry a sensitive and difficult responsibility when individuals and families are being abusive. We also know how and why institutions and regimes can be systemically  abusive, and how abuse by individuals and groups can be ignored, covered up and minimised.  We know how survivors are silenced. And we know how sometimes the rot goes to the top of such institutions, whether in the form of direct abuse or in the form of turning away, not listening and not acting even when the abuse is hiding in plain sight. 

Do we always speak out? Do we stay curious about the signs of harm happening under the cover of institutions we deal with?  Do we question the inaction of leaders when evidence of abuse emerges? I would like to think so but we always need to examine whether we speak out sufficiently and quickly enough when others are silent. We carry this professional responsibility – to use our professional voice, to advocate and to be in solidarity with the victims and survivors of abuse. 

John Smyth was entirely responsible for the abuse he perpetrated.  Those responsible for the safety of the institutions within which he hid must answer for their inaction.  As social workers, let’s ensure we take responsibility for breaking the silence, speaking up and showing solidarity with victims whenever we have the opportunity.