How Did My Dad Abuse 130 Boys Without Anyone Knowing?

The daughter of John Smyth QC, a notorious figure linked to the Church of England (CofE) and believed to be a highly prolific serial abuser, has courageously shared her experience of coming to terms with the shocking revelations of his abuse of 130 boys. Fiona Rugg, who is now 47 years old, reflects on her father's legacy of horror and her journey towards understanding and healing.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Fiona Rugg's revelations come amidst ongoing scrutiny of the Church of England's past, particularly regarding its handling of abuse allegations against Smyth. The Makin Review published in 2024 condemned the church's cover-up of these allegations, revealing a systemic failure to protect vulnerable individuals under the guise of spiritual discipline. As UK society grapples with the fallout of such abuses in religious institutions, Rugg's testimony sheds light on the personal toll of these events and the need for accountability and transparency.

Key takeaways

John Smyth QC abused 130 boys and young men in the 1970s and 1980s, framing his actions as spiritual discipline.
Fiona Rugg has expressed feelings of shame by association despite acknowledging she is not to blame.
The Church of England has been accused of covering up the allegations against Smyth to protect its reputation.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the timeline of events surrounding John Smyth's abuse and subsequent revelations provides important context. Key milestones include:

1973: Smyth gains access to Winchester College through the Christian Union, beginning his abuse.
1982: An internal review by the Iwerne Trust uncovers the abuse, describing it as "prolific, brutal, and horrific".
1984: Smyth flees to Zimbabwe under the pretext of missionary work, avoiding prosecution.
2017: Reports of Smyth's abuses are made public through a Channel 4 investigation.
2018: Smyth is summoned for questioning by Hampshire Police but dies shortly after.
2024: The Makin Review is published, highlighting the church's cover-up of Smyth's actions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Fiona Rugg's first public statements about the extent of her father's abuse have exposed the emotional struggles she has faced, including feelings of guilt and shame. Her proclamations of forgiveness, while acknowledging the pain inflicted on victims, offer a new perspective on the impact of familial relationships intertwined with systemic abuse.

What was already established

Prior investigations and reviews have documented Smyth's abuse and the church's complicity in covering it up. The Makin Review's findings provide a critical examination of institutional failures that allowed Smyth to evade justice for decades, highlighting a broader issue within the church concerning accountability and safeguarding.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The revelations surrounding Smyth's abuse and the Church of England's response directly impact public trust in religious institutions. The emotional and psychological ramifications for victims and their families are profound, necessitating greater awareness and support systems for those affected by similar abuses.

Businesses and jobs

For organisations within the Church of England and related charities, the fallout from Smyth's actions and the church's subsequent cover-up could lead to increased scrutiny, potential financial repercussions, and a shift in how these institutions operate. There may be challenges in hiring practices and maintaining public confidence.

Policy and regulation

The Church of England is likely to face calls for reform in its safeguarding policies and procedures. There is an urgent need for transparent investigations into past abuses to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. Ongoing discussions around legal reforms to protect victims may gain momentum as a result of this case.

Numbers that matter

130 boys and young men were victims of abuse by Smyth over a period of years.
The Iwerne Trust's internal review in 1982 detailed 14,000 lashes administered to eight victims.
Smyth died at age 77, just eight days after being summoned for questioning.

Definitions and jargon buster

CofE: Church of England, the governing body for the Anglican community in England.
Iwerne Trust: A Christian charity linked to Smyth that provided camps for boys.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, it is essential for survivors and their families to seek support and counselling services. Public discussions surrounding the findings of the Makin Review may lead to increased awareness of safeguarding practices within the church.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the church grapples with the implications of the report, stakeholders will need to advocate for substantive changes in policies to safeguard against future abuses. Victims may also begin to share their experiences more publicly, contributing to a collective healing process.

Signals to watch

Reactions from church officials regarding proposed changes to safeguarding policies.
The emergence of further testimonies from victims or families affected by Smyth's actions.
Legal actions or reforms initiated in response to the findings of the Makin Review.

Practical guidance

Do

Seek professional support if you or someone you know is affected by similar issues.
Stay informed about developments in safeguarding policies within religious institutions.
Engage in discussions about accountability and reform in organisations you are a part of.

Don’t

Ignore the signs of abuse or cover-up when they occur.
Allow shame or guilt to silence your voice or those of others.
Dismiss the importance of institutional reforms and safeguarding measures.

Checklist

Review your understanding of safeguarding policies in your community or religious organisation.
Identify support networks available for survivors of abuse.
Engage with local advocacy groups focused on reforming institutional practices.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Fiona Rugg's reflections provide valuable insights, it is important to remember that the full extent of the abuse and its implications continue to unfold. There are still many unanswered questions regarding the church's future actions and the potential for additional victims to come forward. Ongoing legal and regulatory changes may also impact how these cases are addressed in the future.

Bottom line

The revelations regarding John Smyth QC's abusive past, alongside Fiona Rugg's journey towards understanding and healing, highlight the critical need for institutional accountability within the Church of England. As society demands transparency and justice for victims, the path forward must prioritise safeguarding and support for those affected by abuse.

FAQs

What were John Smyth's crimes?

John Smyth QC was accused of abusing approximately 130 boys and young men, using physical and sexual violence disguised as spiritual discipline.

How did the Church of England respond to the allegations?

The Church of England has been accused of covering up Smyth's actions to protect its reputation, allowing him to evade justice for decades.

What impact did Smyth's actions have on his family?

Fiona Rugg, his daughter, described feelings of shame and guilt by association while working towards healing from the trauma caused by her father's actions.