MANY would take issue with your leading article defending the anonymity of those claiming victim abuse (“The case for clarity at inquiry on abuse”, Herald editorial, March 1). Child abuse is a very serious crime and it, rightly, attracts draconian punishment – not only a lengthy prison sentence, but also a lifetime’s stigma. Given the gravity of the charge it is only just that those accused should be given full opportunity to defend themselves. It is impossible to see how anyone can defend him or herself adequately if the name of the accuser, and hence the full nature of the alleged abuse, remains withheld.
Public anonymity is not an issue; it is a legal requirement in cases of rape accusations. Intimidation of witnesses is a risk in any serious case and the police have powers to deal with it. Sympathy for victims whose abuse has not been recognised in the past should not overbalance into potential injustice for those accused.
Martin Axford,
18 Bonar Crescent, Bridge of Weir.
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