The results of a preliminary investigation into the sexual abuse of schoolboys, released this week, have provoked a nationwide sense of outrage. Inspired by the courage of a small number of men who recollected their experiences of sexual abuse at some of the nation’s most prestigious schools, the initial investigation expanded to cover 308 schools as an increasing number of men shared their experiences.
The men, primarily in their 50s or 60s now, honestly detailed the traumatic incidents of sexual abuse they endured as school students. Their courageous testimonies revealed a pervasive pattern of abuse in religious-run day and boarding schools throughout the country, leading to 2,395 claims made against 884 individuals.
The forthcoming step for the State is to initiate a commission of inquiry, though the timeframe for this and the possible justice the victims can expect remain unclear.
The Government has expressed concern about potentially high compensation costs resulting from school abuse redress. Meanwhile, data reveals that nearly 230,000 children are lacking basic necessities for a comfortable life. Recently, a man reportedly assaulted in a Dublin city squat expressed his fear of dying in the country he sought refuge in.
Patsy McGarry, a journalist, discussed the preliminary investigation, the capacity, and scope of the commission once it is set up, and the obstacles the State has encountered in compelling the religious orders to provide compensation to victims, on In the News.
Co-hosted by Bernice Harrison, Suzanne Brennan, and Aideen Finnegan, this segment also highlighted some support resources. These include the national 24-hour rape crisis helpline (1800 77 8888) and One in Four (contactable on 01 662 4070), an organisation dedicated to assisting adults who have been victims of childhood sexual abuse.