Menu
10/08/2022
Renewed Appeal For Information In Institutional Abuse Investigation
The PSNI are continuing to appeal to possible victims of abuse at Mother & Baby Institution, Magdalene Laundries and Work House to come forward.
These institutions housed many, including pregnant women and girls from 1922 to 1990 in Northern Ireland, who often felt coerced into giving up their child. Thousands of people are said to have entered these institutions over a 68-year period, and a wide range of alleged criminality that potentially happened there is now being investigated.
Since the investigation was launched on 06 October 2021, officers in the dedicated Investigation Team have received 57 reports, including from mothers who have never met their children.
A woman who gave birth at the Marianvale Institution, Adele Johnston is encouraging more victims to come forward and report.
Adele Johnston, who is a member of the support group 'Birth Mothers for Justice NI' said: "I would encourage anyone that has been impacted by The Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland between 1922 to 1990 to come forward and speak to the dedicated Police Service of Northern Ireland investigation team. You will be treated with complete sensitivity and respect as they wish to build a complete picture of what happened in these institutions. The only way to right the injustices of the past is to make your voices heard."
As part of the Police's ongoing efforts to encourage victims and witnesses of any alleged criminality to come forward, local neighbourhood policing teams will be out on the streets across Northern Ireland speaking to organisations and members of the public about the investigation.
Police are asking:
• Were you a mother taken to one of these institutions to have your baby?
• Were you adopted from one of these institutions?
• Did you work in one of these institutions between 1922-1990?
• Were you a resident in any of these institution?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the investigation team want to hear from you.
Detective Superintendent Gary Reid, who is leading this investigation, said: "The last known institution closed down in 1990. This is not a lifetime ago, and we believe there are people out there who are still suffering in silence.
"It's important that we are engaging with our local communities about this investigation as there were so many across Northern Ireland that have been affected in some way by these institutions.
"We want to reassure anyone impacted in any way that this investigation is still very much live and ongoing and that we want to hear from them. If you were the victim of abuse or other forms of criminality in any of these institutions, or know somebody who was, or if you witnessed anything suspicious, please contact us.
"We care about what you have to say, will listen and support you, and will act to keep you and others safe."
A dedicated reporting system is in place to make it easier for people who suffered to come forward. All those who do report will be spoken to by a specialist detective and will be offered the opportunity to have their account recorded so that a criminal investigation can take place. They will also be signposted to further help and support available.
If you wish to contact the dedicated Mother and Baby Institutions, Work Houses and Magdalene Laundries Investigative Team, you can do so via the following options:
Email: MotherBabyHomes.Magdalenelaundries@psni.police.uk
Direct line (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm): 028 9090 1728
Officers will deal with any matters reported in a sensitive manner and will, where possible, progress matters through investigation.
These institutions housed many, including pregnant women and girls from 1922 to 1990 in Northern Ireland, who often felt coerced into giving up their child. Thousands of people are said to have entered these institutions over a 68-year period, and a wide range of alleged criminality that potentially happened there is now being investigated.
Since the investigation was launched on 06 October 2021, officers in the dedicated Investigation Team have received 57 reports, including from mothers who have never met their children.
A woman who gave birth at the Marianvale Institution, Adele Johnston is encouraging more victims to come forward and report.
Adele Johnston, who is a member of the support group 'Birth Mothers for Justice NI' said: "I would encourage anyone that has been impacted by The Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland between 1922 to 1990 to come forward and speak to the dedicated Police Service of Northern Ireland investigation team. You will be treated with complete sensitivity and respect as they wish to build a complete picture of what happened in these institutions. The only way to right the injustices of the past is to make your voices heard."
As part of the Police's ongoing efforts to encourage victims and witnesses of any alleged criminality to come forward, local neighbourhood policing teams will be out on the streets across Northern Ireland speaking to organisations and members of the public about the investigation.
Police are asking:
• Were you a mother taken to one of these institutions to have your baby?
• Were you adopted from one of these institutions?
• Did you work in one of these institutions between 1922-1990?
• Were you a resident in any of these institution?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, the investigation team want to hear from you.
Detective Superintendent Gary Reid, who is leading this investigation, said: "The last known institution closed down in 1990. This is not a lifetime ago, and we believe there are people out there who are still suffering in silence.
"It's important that we are engaging with our local communities about this investigation as there were so many across Northern Ireland that have been affected in some way by these institutions.
"We want to reassure anyone impacted in any way that this investigation is still very much live and ongoing and that we want to hear from them. If you were the victim of abuse or other forms of criminality in any of these institutions, or know somebody who was, or if you witnessed anything suspicious, please contact us.
"We care about what you have to say, will listen and support you, and will act to keep you and others safe."
A dedicated reporting system is in place to make it easier for people who suffered to come forward. All those who do report will be spoken to by a specialist detective and will be offered the opportunity to have their account recorded so that a criminal investigation can take place. They will also be signposted to further help and support available.
If you wish to contact the dedicated Mother and Baby Institutions, Work Houses and Magdalene Laundries Investigative Team, you can do so via the following options:
Email: MotherBabyHomes.Magdalenelaundries@psni.police.uk
Direct line (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm): 028 9090 1728
Officers will deal with any matters reported in a sensitive manner and will, where possible, progress matters through investigation.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 May 2022
Fresh Appeal For Information On Ongoing Institutional Abuse Investigation
The PSNI has issued a fresh appeal for information in an ongoing investigation into allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving Mother and Baby Institutions, Work Houses and Magdalene Laundries, first launched on 6th October 2021.
Fresh Appeal For Information On Ongoing Institutional Abuse Investigation
The PSNI has issued a fresh appeal for information in an ongoing investigation into allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving Mother and Baby Institutions, Work Houses and Magdalene Laundries, first launched on 6th October 2021.
08 August 2022
Murder Investigation Launched Into Disappearance Of Damien Heagney
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation into the disappearance of 47-year-old Damien Heagney from Cookstown. Mr Heagney was reported missing on Tuesday 19 July and police have said that they are "keeping an open mind" they now believe that he has been murdered.
Murder Investigation Launched Into Disappearance Of Damien Heagney
The PSNI's Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation into the disappearance of 47-year-old Damien Heagney from Cookstown. Mr Heagney was reported missing on Tuesday 19 July and police have said that they are "keeping an open mind" they now believe that he has been murdered.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
