Survivors of sexual abuse at religiously run schools have expressed relief in the wake of a recent scoping inquiry report, feeling acknowledged and believed, shared Avril Scally, a solicitor for many of the victims. The report’s release has been hailed as a significant step in revealing the true extent of the abuse, noted Scally, a partner at Lavelle Partners LLP. “One individual confided that they felt a significant weight lifted,” she said. The silenced voices of victims, previously hushed by fear and humiliation, now demand respect and hearing, she added.
Scally further commented, “This report signifies merely the onset of a healing path for survivors, an essential course toward accountability.”
The report, unveiled earlier this week, exposes an endemic culture of abuse within religious boarding and day schools nationwide, unravelling 2,395 allegations against 884 perpetrators. To address these findings, the Government pledges to authorise a comprehensive Commission of Investigation into historical school abuse.
Dr Niall Muldoon, the Ombudsman for Children, urges the Commission’s immediate establishment, covering all schools. In his remarks, Dr Muldoon stressed the State’s imperative to resolve this matter fully and conclusively.
“The scoping query uncovers once more the dreadful treatment of children in religious establishments during the previous century and the horrific theft of their childhoods by supposed protectors,” he mentioned.
Reminding of the years lapsed since the Ryan and Ferns Reports, Dr Muldoon emphasised Ireland’s ongoing struggle to acknowledge the pain inflicted on survivors of clergy-led sexual abuse.
Dr. Muldoon communicated the absolute necessity for the government to denounce the treatment of those who suffered as children, now adults, in religious institutions. He demanded that reassurances be provided about the safety of current and future generations of children.
Deirdre Kenny, the chief executive of One in Four, a charity focused on assisting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, expressed her belief that the pending Commission of Inquiry could be unprecedented in scale for the State. She also mentioned that their organisation has received an overwhelming number of calls from survivors and their families, many of whom are in great distress.
Ms. Kenny proposed that the number of victims would likely increase significantly, especially if an inquiry was launched encompassing all schools. She hinted at a potential increase in the individuals, especially those in their 30s and 40s, stepping forward in the coming months.
Kenny also emphasised on the crucial need of creating a redress methodology and urged religious orders to demonstrate genuine institutional leadership. Furthermore, she elaborated that even though compensation cannot completely redress the immense trauma victims have endured, it serves as a crucial symbol of recognition and a step towards acknowledging the harm they’ve experienced.
The Spiritan Education Trust, a network of schools formerly managed by the Holy Ghost Fathers, affirmed the unveiling of the Scoping Inquiry Report by Education Minister, Norma Foley. The trust openly denounced the sexual abuse that happened in their schools as severe criminal conduct against the most defenceless. They extended their deep sympathies to the abuse survivors, acknowledging their suffering.
The Trust lauded the courageous survivors who’ve disclosed their abuse, and they commended the Scoping Inquiry’s diligent work to ensure all survivors’ stories are understood and recognised.