The Gardaí reported receiving over 160 communications in response to an appeal they made regarding a historical sexual abuse investigation within both day and boarding schools. Information gathered from a government-led inquiry revealed nearly 2,400 claims of sexual abuse spanning three decades within 308 schools governed by religious orders, as disclosed in a comprehensive report released on Tuesday.
The 205 survivors who shared information via questionnaires consisted primarily of males who identified more than 80 schools overseen by about 24 religious orders. The majority of abuse incidents occurred between the 1960s and 1990s, with a greater concentration in the early to mid-1970s.
The Garda National Protective Services Bureau’s Sexual Crime Management Unit, along with the Child Sexual Abuse Reporting phone line, received most of the 160 responses to An Garda Síochána’s appeal encouraging individuals to report such unlawful activities.
The Garda have also stated that they have begun making personal contact with each person that came forward and lead each individual through a sensitive process. They acknowledged the profound effect of sexual abuse on a victim’s life, especially if it’s their first time speaking to the authorities. Each person will be given the opportunity to share their experience when ready.
The issue of potential compensation for every child affected by sexual abuse in schools arises amid conversations on whether it’s feasible for the state to hold religious orders financially accountable for the atrocities committed. A potential redress scheme might cost up to €5 billion. Furthermore, legal alterations concerning time restrictions might facilitate victims seeking redress, a statement from a solicitor suggests. The promise from Norma Foley to expedite the establishment of a commission to address school sexual abuse echoes through these discussions.
The overall operation of An Garda Síochána’s response to sexual crimes is being managed by the Sexual Crime Management Unit under the GNPSB. In each Garda Division, specialised Gardaí attached to the Divisional Protective Service Units will be conducting specific investigations.
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau has expressed the commitment of the gardaí in offering assistance to any individual desiring to report sexual abuse cases, applicable not only to day and boarding schools operated by religious orders but also to all institutions and organisations.
The impact of these heinous acts is pervasive and leaves a lasting impact on the victims. The redress scheme related to the schools abuse inquiry could see costs of approximately €5bn.
Every individual making a report will receive support from An Garda Síochána, with their case being regarded with confidentiality and respect. The victim’s wishes will guide the progression and pace of the complaint.
Superintendent Noonan urges victims who haven’t yet shared their experiences to speak up, assuring them that the Scoping Inquiry evidence and the over 160 contacts made to An Garda Síochána demonstrate they are not alone.
To get in touch with An Garda Síochána, individuals can send an email to [email protected], call 1800 555 222 or visit any local garda station.