Thinking about coming forward

It is normal to feel uncertain, conflicted, or worried about the impact of speaking up. Many people revisit their experiences years later or only feel ready after hearing from others. Others are not sure whether what they experienced or witnessed "counts" as abuse. You can talk through those questions at your own pace. Support is available even if you are unsure.

You do not have to decide immediately. You can ask questions, take breaks, or change your mind. Taking small steps, like reading this page or noting down questions, can help you work out what you want to do next.

Thinking about difficult experiences can be emotionally and physically taxing. Before sharing, consider what will help you feel supported.

• If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
• Choose a time and place where you feel safe and will not be interrupted.
• Think about who you can tell if you start feeling distressed (for example a trusted friend, GP, therapist, or support service).
• Take breaks, and stop if you need to. You are not required to share more than you want to.

You can choose one or more of these options:

• Police if you want to report criminal offences or concerns about current risk to children. See Reporting concerns about abuse or safeguarding for detailed routes.
• Old Papplewickian GLO Action Group if you want updates about the civil claim or to understand your options. See Group litigation and your choices or register interest on the sign-up page.
• Support services such as your GP, counselling services, or specialist charities. See Emotional and practical support for specific organisations.

You are not obliged to report to every organisation. Choose the ones that feel right for you.

If you decide to contact the police or a safeguarding authority, it can help to think about:

• What you want to tell them and why you are contacting them now.
• Any immediate risks you are worried about (for example, people who may still have contact with children).
• Whether you would like to remain anonymous or restrict how your information is shared.

You can ask questions about confidentiality, the next steps in their process, and how they will keep you updated.

You do not need to prepare detailed statements before speaking to anyone. If it feels helpful, you might note:

• Approximate dates or school years, and the names or roles of people involved.
• Any steps you have already taken (for example, previous reports you may have made).
• Questions you want to ask about the process, confidentiality, or what happens next.

Keep any notes somewhere safe and private. You can also choose to talk first and only provide written information later if you prefer.

You decide how much to share, and with whom. Registering for updates or speaking to the Old Papplewickian GLO Action Group or its solicitors does not require you to speak to the police, and vice versa.

The Old Papplewickian GLO Action Group will handle your information in line with the data and privacy notice. You can withdraw or update your information at any time. More detail on confidentiality is at Confidentiality and records.

Other organisations (for example police, safeguarding bodies, or support services) have their own rules for handling data and your rights to update or remove it. Ask them if you want to understand their approach.