I am an existing member of this board. There are now too many people who know my identity on this web site in order to make this post. I'm sure Simon does not mind me using a new account for this purpose.
The congregation I previously belonged to is investigating OLD accusations of physical abuse which were previously ignored because of the two witness rule. The JW who informed me of this, told me this is directly related to the recent publicity on abuse in the organisation.
I don't know if any third party was involved in initiating the re-investigation or not.