Menu
20/05/2009
'Endemic' Abuse Report Published
The fate of thousands of children alleged to have been abused in state-run institutions across the Irish Republic was in focus today.
In the largest investigation of religious orders to date, the full extent of the emotional, physical and sexual trauma inflicted on youngsters by Catholic nuns and priests has been unveiled almost a decade after the Child Abuse Commission was set up by the Government.
Roughly 2,500 men and women who were said to have been abused in schools and institutions all over the country gave evidence to the Commission, led by Mr Justice Sean Ryan.
The inquiry found that sexual abuse was "endemic" in boys' institutions.
It also found physical and emotional abuse and neglect were features of institutions.
Schools were run "in a severe, regimented manner that imposed unreasonable and oppressive discipline on children and even on staff".
The nine-year inquiry investigated a 60-year period.
About 35,000 children were placed in a network of reformatories, industrial schools and workhouses up to the 1980s.
More than 2,000 told the Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse they suffered physical and sexual abuse while there.
The report said that girls supervised by orders of nuns, chiefly the Sisters of Mercy, suffered much less sexual abuse but frequent assaults and humiliation designed to make them feel worthless.
The five-volume study concluded that church officials encouraged ritual beatings and consistently shielded their orders' paedophiles from arrest amid a culture of self-serving secrecy.
It also found that government inspectors failed to stop the chronic beatings, rapes and humiliation.
Victims hope the publication of the long-awaited report will finally reveal the truth about the hidden torture they suffered as children.
(BMcC/JM)
In the largest investigation of religious orders to date, the full extent of the emotional, physical and sexual trauma inflicted on youngsters by Catholic nuns and priests has been unveiled almost a decade after the Child Abuse Commission was set up by the Government.
Roughly 2,500 men and women who were said to have been abused in schools and institutions all over the country gave evidence to the Commission, led by Mr Justice Sean Ryan.
The inquiry found that sexual abuse was "endemic" in boys' institutions.
It also found physical and emotional abuse and neglect were features of institutions.
Schools were run "in a severe, regimented manner that imposed unreasonable and oppressive discipline on children and even on staff".
The nine-year inquiry investigated a 60-year period.
About 35,000 children were placed in a network of reformatories, industrial schools and workhouses up to the 1980s.
More than 2,000 told the Commission to Inquire Into Child Abuse they suffered physical and sexual abuse while there.
The report said that girls supervised by orders of nuns, chiefly the Sisters of Mercy, suffered much less sexual abuse but frequent assaults and humiliation designed to make them feel worthless.
The five-volume study concluded that church officials encouraged ritual beatings and consistently shielded their orders' paedophiles from arrest amid a culture of self-serving secrecy.
It also found that government inspectors failed to stop the chronic beatings, rapes and humiliation.
Victims hope the publication of the long-awaited report will finally reveal the truth about the hidden torture they suffered as children.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 September 2024
New Strategy Launches To Combat Domestic And Sexual Abuse
A new strategy aimed at establishing a society that does not tolerate domestic and sexual abuse has been unveiled.
New Strategy Launches To Combat Domestic And Sexual Abuse
A new strategy aimed at establishing a society that does not tolerate domestic and sexual abuse has been unveiled.
05 October 2021
Domestic And Sexual Abuse Policy For Civil Service
A new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Policy has been announced for Northern Ireland's Civil Service by Finance Minister Conor Murphy. Speaking after visiting Nexus, a charity which supports people affected by sexual trauma, with Head of Civil Service Jayne Brady, Minister Murphy said the policy aims to support staff affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
Domestic And Sexual Abuse Policy For Civil Service
A new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Policy has been announced for Northern Ireland's Civil Service by Finance Minister Conor Murphy. Speaking after visiting Nexus, a charity which supports people affected by sexual trauma, with Head of Civil Service Jayne Brady, Minister Murphy said the policy aims to support staff affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
20 July 2022
New Domestic And Sexual Abuse Strategy Published
A new cross-departmental strategy to stop domestic and sexual violence and abuse in Northern Ireland has been published.
New Domestic And Sexual Abuse Strategy Published
A new cross-departmental strategy to stop domestic and sexual violence and abuse in Northern Ireland has been published.
02 October 2023
Man Jailed For 10 Year Sexual Abuse Of Two Children
A 32-year-old man has been sentenced for 24 sexual offences against children including rape, indecent assault and gross indecency. At Downpatrick Crown Court, the man, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the victims, was sentenced to four years and six months.
Man Jailed For 10 Year Sexual Abuse Of Two Children
A 32-year-old man has been sentenced for 24 sexual offences against children including rape, indecent assault and gross indecency. At Downpatrick Crown Court, the man, who cannot be named in order to protect the identity of the victims, was sentenced to four years and six months.
24 November 2023
81-Year-Old Bangor Man Jailed For Historic Sexual Offences
An 81-year-old man has been jailed for three years for a number of historic sexual offences. David Parkinson, from Bangor, Co Down, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for 12 offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed between 1976 and 1983.
81-Year-Old Bangor Man Jailed For Historic Sexual Offences
An 81-year-old man has been jailed for three years for a number of historic sexual offences. David Parkinson, from Bangor, Co Down, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court for 12 offences including gross indecency, indecent assault and rape. The offences were committed between 1976 and 1983.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
