In the previous four weeks, over 500 correspondences have been recorded by the police from individuals aiming to report incidents associated with historical sexual mistreatment in religious schools, both day and boarding. These contacts happened primarily in a span of three weeks after an appeal was launched on 4th September, with more than 160 reported during the initial three days after the appeal. Older males, recounting their experiences to the police force, An Garda Síochána, primarily made the reports.
An official statement reinforces that a group responsible for reviewing cases of historical sex abuse allegations is slated to be set up, as disclosed earlier this month. Around 2,400 associated claims have been recorded across 308 religious schools throughout Ireland, according to a government-induced preliminary review. The dossier identified 884 potential offenders, speculating a higher figure owing to unreported instances of child sex abuse.
Following the recent influx of 500 reports, An Garda Síochána has begun reconnecting directly with each individual reporter. The statement issued declared the sensitivity behind the process, assuring victims that they’d be offered adequate time and scope to talk about their experience. The aim of An Garda Síochána is to assist every sufferer through the process at their comfortable pace and involvement level.
The majority of allegations were registered directly with the Sexual Crime Management Unit at the National Protective Services Bureau of Garda, through email, phone calls, and the CSAR (Child Sexual Abuse Reporting) phone line, as well as, in person at various Garda stations. Anyone wishing to lodge a complaint with An Garda Síochána can employ the provided email address, contact number, or visit any Garda station. A personal interaction with the Garda is assured promptly after the contact.