A NEWPORT woman who survived sex abuse will join an inquiry into child sexual abuse it was announced today.

May Baxter-Thornton will be part of the victims' and survivors' consultative panel of the inquiry.

She also has over 16 years’ experience working with victims and survivors of both domestic abuse and child sexual abuse.

May is joined on the panel by another Welsh victim, Emma Lewis from Swansea.

They will advise the inquiry on how best to reach and listen to victims and survivors in Wales.

May said: “When the inquiry makes its recommendations, it is essential that the voices of Welsh victims and survivors are heard.

“I promise to be a voice for them, making sure the inquiry is able to reflect upon and consider their real, lived experiences.”

Inquiry chairwoman, Professor Alexis Jay OBE said: “May and Emma have demonstrated a proven commitment to reaching and supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in Wales.

“The Welsh perspective May and Emma offer will provide a vital contribution to the work of the victims' and survivors' consultative panel.”

The inquiry first opened in Wales in November 2016, and since then has met with victims and survivors, and experts in the field of child sexual abuse in locations including Swansea, Newport, Cardiff and Caernarfon.