Rape survivor sues authority for failing to report ‘monster’ father

A woman is to renew her legal fight against a council she accuses of failing to stop her father abusing her.

Author Liz Hislop, 52, from Paisley, claims social workers turned a blind eye to save on care costs after she was abused by her “monster” father William when she was as young as eight. Liz launched a legal action in 2006 but Renfrewshire Council used a long-standing three-year time bar to prevent the case going ahead.

Now Liz is determined to make history after MSPs lifted the restriction last year.

She said: “My father was a monster. I have never been able to forgive the professionals who failed to protect me from him and, as a result, I was raped and sexually abused.” Liz had been looking after two younger brothers at the time.

“That saved the expense and bother of putting us all into care. That dereliction of duty is unforgiveable.”

Her father, who died 20 years ago, was charged but Liz was too traumatised to give evidence and he pleaded guilty to reduced charges.

The convicted paedophile was allowed to return to the family home after jail, when Liz says the abuse escalated. Lawyer Cameron Fyfe said: “This is the first time the new legislation will test whether a local authority can be held responsible for failing to protect a vulnerable child.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “We welcome the change in legislation which allows victims of historic abuse to seek reparation and will fully cooperate with its requirements.”