Senior Associate Solicitor, Abuse
TW: This article covers sensitive topics relating to abuse and violence.
With over 166 cases settled over the last 10 years, more claims are being brought by survivors of abuse within the Scouts, many of which allege to have been silenced by the Scouts UK organisation when trying to come forward. More claims are expected to be brought against the Scouts UK in the near future, with 68 reports of abuse already submitted on the recently established online platform "Yours In Scouting."
This initiative was introduced by a non-profit legal organisation to encourage people to share their stories of abuse experienced in the Scouts. With this increase in reporting of abuse in the Scouts we have considered below the case of Scout leader, Philip Perks who was accused of sexual assault in 2022.
An internal investigation is underway after two women accused former Scout leader, Phillip Perks of sexual assault in the 2000s, which they previously tried to report on two occasions. The two survivors have claimed that the Scouts UK organisation were silencing them and protecting Perks, who’s death in 2022 has now been deemed as suicide. We commend the women’s bravery in coming forward with their statements and hope they are able to achieve the justice and closure they are looking for.
Phillip Perks, was from Dinas Powys, South Wales, and led the Scout unit in Penarth for 20 years, later receiving Scouting’s highest award in 2020. In March 2022, he was arrested and questioned following sexual assault allegations from two women, now in their 30s, who were 16 at the time of the alleged abuse. The two women claim that they reported the abuse twice to Scout leaders, once in the mid-2000s and then in 2016, but were silenced.
Despite these allegations in the past, Perks was kept on as leader by Scouts Cymru until his eventual arrest in March 2022,and suspension by the Scouts, but took his own life just days later. Both survivors say they feel they had been silenced and felt the Scouts were protecting Mr Perks.
Days after his arrest and eventual questioning, Perks' body was found in the Penarth and District Scouts (PADSAC) storage unit on the 14th March 2022. Coroner reports stated that he took his own life, and toxicology showed no drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of death. According to the BBC, his sister, Julie Anne Perks described her brothers as a “committed member of the scouts who just two years before his death received a prestigious award”.
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BBC. (2023, February 24). Scouts leader accused of child sexual abuse found dead days after arrest. Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2023-02-24/scouts-leader-accused-of-child-sexual-abuse-found-dead-days-after-arrest
BBC. (2023, March 10). Scouts: Leaders accused of child sexual abuse allegations. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65881603
Civil Society. (2023, March 10). Scouts investigates accusations of silencing women over sexual abuse claims. Retrieved from https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/scouts-investigates-accusations-of-silencing-women-over-sexual-abuse-claims.html
ITV News. (2023, February 24). Scouts leader accused of child sexual abuse found dead days after arrest. Retrieved from https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2023-02-24/scouts-leader-accused-of-child-sexual-abuse-found-dead-days-after-arrest
News Sky. (2023, February 24). Women accuse Scouts of silencing them over sexual abuse claims against group leader. Retrieved from https://news.sky.com/story/women-accuse-scouts-of-silencing-them-over-sexual-abuse-claims-against-group-leader-12818591
Penarth Times. (2022, July). Penarth scout leader Phillip Perks' inquest concludes suicide. Retrieved from https://www.penarthtimes.co.uk/news/23670131.penarth-scout-leader-phillip-perks-inquest-concludes-suicide/
Scouts. (n.d.). Safeguarding policy and procedures. Retrieved from https://www.scouts.org.uk/about-us/policy/safeguarding-policy-and-procedures/
Yours in Scouting. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://yoursinscouting.org/read/
With a background in Personal Injury Claims and Criminal Injury Compensation Claims, Hywel started specialising in Abuse Claims in 2001. Over the years, he has seen the area of abuse law evolve, presenting new challenges and learning opportunities. He has tackled cases against diverse groups, from local authorities to private schools, charities, medical organisations, and even individuals.
His passion for understanding psychological injuries led him to this area of Law. Hywel's work extends beyond seeking financial compensation for his clients; he focuses on helping victims and survivors access support, making a real difference in their healing process. He values each client's unique motivations, ensuring they achieve what they desire through the legal process.
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