I learnt the way in which words and phrases can unintentionally cause distress. I was asked not to use the word “historical” in relation to child sexual abuse as to every person who has suffered there is nothing “historical” about what happened to them. They live with the knowledge and the consequences of their abuse each and every day of their lives.

It was explained to me that while the majority of people who have been abused prefer the term survivors, some prefer the term “victim” as there are many people who don’t survive.

I met young survivors (they prefer the term and, certainly, they are no longer children) and saw how the lives that lay ahead would be so much harder as a result of the pain and distrust that had become a part of them. In my discussions with older victims and survivors and their representatives, I began to realise how abuse is woven, covertly, into the fabric of our society.

During one of my first meetings with survivors, one lady said to me: “Get this inquiry right and it will be like a stick of Blackpool rock. You will see abuse going through every level of society.” I fear she is right. I have said before and I shall say again, that what we have seen so far is only the tip of iceberg.