A police and crime commissioner who warned against child sex abuse investigations turning into “McCarthyism” has been criticised by a sex abuse survivors agency who called his comments “alarmist” and “damaging”.

Christopher Salmon, police and crime commissioner for Dyfed Powys, warned there was a fine line between encouraging victims of child abuse to speak out and “McCarthyism”.

Damaging witch-hunts saw many innocent people’s reputations ruined when they were labelled communists during the atmosphere of horror that existed in America in the 1950s, fuelled by Senator Joe McCarthy.

Investigations into unproven allegations of sexual abuse have recently led to the names of famous people, including the late former Prime Minster Ted Heath, being made public in the UK in a bid to encourage victims to come forward.

Related:Child sex abuse complaints have risen more than 100% in Wales since Jimmy Savile revelations emerged

'We should not want a culture of guilt before innocence'

Mr Salmon said investigations into child sex abuse must not be allowed to become witch-hunts, which he believes would be more common under a single and larger police force, which he was arguing against.

Writing on his blog, he said: “Child abuse is an horrific crime but there is a fine line between encouraging victims to speak out and McCarthyism.

“By the time you realise an organisation is on the side of that line, the damage is already done: the larger the organisation, the longer that realisation takes and the greater the damage.

“We should not want a culture of guilt before innocence any more than one that ignores a victim.”

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon

The Survivors Trust, which aims to raise awareness about the effects of rape and sexual abuse, has called Mr Salmon’s comments “alarming” and “damaging”.

Johanna Robinson, Wales national development manager at The Survivors Trust, said: “Survivors of child sexual abuse can take decades to come forward and one of the huge barriers to this is the issue of not being believed.

'The comments are alarmist'

“If they see someone in a high profile position inferring that they’re coming forward because there’s a witch hunt against people, it can be absolutely damaging.

“The comments are alarmist and they put doubt on victims, some who are struggling for their whole lives and they need support from everyone in our communities.

“I don’t know what he wants to achieve with these comments, the only thing it can achieve is that people don’t speak.”

The Survivors Trust runs a support line for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse and claim it takes a minimum of 10 years after the abuse has stopped before it is reported.

Ms Robinson has requested a meeting with Mr Salmon to discuss his comments.

She added: “It has been proven time and again that false allegations are in the minority and that survivors often face a backlash themselves for speaking out.

“This is particularly the case given most child sexual abuse is not perpetrated by MPs or celebrities but by people in communities, family, friends, neighbours.

“We want to reassure people who come forward, you do have a huge amount of bravery and courage. Life is never the same when you step out and acknowledge what has happened.”

'We must be able to have an open discussion'

In response, Mr Salmon said: “Child abuse is a horrific crime that has been neglected in the past with terrible consequences. The police are absolutely right to encourage victims to come forward. If they do, they will be believed. No one should doubt that.

“However, we must be able to have an open discussion so that we can address the needs of victims and uphold the principles of our justice system.

“I believe independent local police forces are an important part of that system, which is what this comment referred to. I look forward to discussing this with The Survivors Trust when we meet shortly.”

The Survivors Trust helpline is on 0808 801 0818 and can be reached for support, advice, or information.