A DISTURBING picture of abuse victims blighted by poverty, social isolation and mental illness in their adult life is revealed in the child abuse document.Many of those who suffered physical or sexual abuse went on to enjoy successful lives and careers.
But almost a third of witnesses to the inquiry described a "constellation" of ongoing debilitating mental health concerns including suicidal behaviour, depression and alcohol and substance abuse.
Of 791 witnesses at the abuse hearings, 388 were married but 78 said they were separated, 66 were divorced and 132 were single. More than a fifth reported the inability to be affectionate with their children while a further 19pc said they were harsh in their treatment of their children.
Alcohol abuse was a dominant feature in the lives of 39pc of witnesses, while more than half spoke of their own suicidal thoughts.
Deprivation
"Many witnesses stated that their childhood experience of abuse and emotional deprivation inhibited their capacity to form stable, secure and nurturing relationships in adult life.
"However, despite the emotional difficulties described by both male and female witnesses, a high proportion of them reported being married or in long-term relationships that were described as mostly happy, often enduring despite severe difficulties." The report found 70pc of witnesses received no second-level education.
And while many reported having successful careers in business and professional fields, the majority seen by the committee reported being in manual and unskilled occupations for their entire working lives.
The investigation committee heard evidence children were severely abused and neglected by those with responsibility for their safety and welfare.
"Those in care without family contact and with special needs were most at risk. Witnesses reported that the abuse experienced in childhood had an enduring impact on their lives."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to us or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that we agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Source (II)
SV (4)