On 11 May 2023, the Church of England published the review into its handling of the allegations against the late Revd Trevor Devamanikkam. Extracts from the Press Release are reproduced below.
Press Release: Trevor Devamanikkam review published
11/05/2023
The independent lessons learnt review into the Church of England’s handling of allegations against the late Revd Trevor Devamanikkam has been published today.
Trevor Devamanikkam was due to appear in court in June 2017, charged with six counts of sexual abuse in the 1980s, against a 16-year-old. However, he did not arrive for the hearing and was found dead at his home later that day. An inquest found that he had died by suicide. In 2012 and 2013, the survivor, himself a member of clergy at the time, alleged he made a number of disclosures of non-recent abuse to senior clergy, and they failed to act on them.
The review was commissioned by the National Safeguarding Team, NST, and carried out by Jane Humphreys, a Senior Social Care Consultant, and previous Director of Children’s and Adult’s Services with a career spanning more than 30 years.
Its purpose is to identify both good practice and failings in the Church of England’s handling of the allegations, including its safeguarding practice, in order that the Church can take steps to enhance and improve its response to allegations of abuse and thereby ensure a safer environment for all.
The reviewer concludes that, although Trevor Devamanikkam was not convicted of the offences against him, the survivor was sexually abused by him. She makes a number of recommendations for the Church including about lessons learnt reviews and responding well to survivors; as well as the need for clear guidance to all clergy and Church officers as to what they should do and who they should take advice from if copied into an allegation of abuse.
She also addresses and outlines the survivor’s request not to engage with the Review, noting that she has drawn on his written experiences and accounts of events from his submission to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in July 2019, and from other documents.
[…]
The Press Release includes statements from: the independent reviewer Jane Humphreys; the lead safeguarding bishop, Joanne Grenfell; The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell. There are also contacts for anyone affected by the publication of the report, and the following notes:
- Update on timings for review of Trevor Devamanikkam case, (2 January 2022.)
- Learning Lessons Review Trevor Devamanikkam, (11 May 2023).
Comment
The appointment of safeguarding consultant Jane Humphreys as the independent reviewer into the Church’s handling of the allegations relating to the late Revd Trevor Devamanikkam was announced on 22 November 2019.
Thinking Anglicans reports that the Bishop of Oxford has written to his clergy and Lord Sentamu has issued a statement.
Updated: 13 May 2023 at 08:54.
how was the “reviewer” able to conclude the “sexual abuse” took place
did any witnesses come forward ?
A fair question. But may I suggest you read the Review 11.05.23?
The evidence is spelt out very clearly.
The Report shows that this was a most complex situation with unusual facts. However, as a Benefice Safeguarding Officer in a very rural benefice, I feel anyone involved with or concerned with Safeguarding at any level should read and reflect on the Report.
Thank You !!
You’re welcome – but I should have added that it’s a long read!
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