The Government yesterday published a “distressing” and “harrowing” report into the systemic alleged sexual abuse carried out by at least 884 alleged abusers in day and boarding schools run by 42 religious orders across Ireland.
It found that religious orders across Ireland have records of 2,395 allegations of abuse across 308 schools. Half of those who have been accused of sexual abuse have died.
The report has already warned that “there is reasonable cause to believe that further allegations of sexual abuse in schools will emerge, and that the numbers of allegations will exceed the number recorded in the religious orders’ records”.
The report names hundreds of schools, including primary, secondary and special schools. It also details the total number of allegations and number of alleged abusers at each institution.
In graphic and difficult testimony, survivors of child sex abuse detailed how they were raped and assaulted in the middle of classrooms, in dormitories and showers and in some cases even in their own homes after abusers had gained the trust of their parents.
The report heard from many survivors who said that their childhoods stopped the day the abuse started.
The shocking report – written by senior counsel Mary O’Toole – found evidence of a “high prevalence of alleged abusers in particular special schools”, while survivor testimony also said children would be isolated or targeted for their vulnerabilities.
The Scoping Inquiry mostly covers allegations from the 1950s through to the 1980s and mostly involves men who are now aged in their 50s, 60s, and 70s.
The report recommended that the Government approach the religious orders to contribute to a redress scheme.
A commission of investigation will now be established, Education Minister Norma Foley confirmed yesterday.
A “high-level” group will start working on the terms of reference “immediately” and Ms Foley said there was an “openness” to widening it out to include other schools.
It is estimated the commission could take five years to complete its work.
The Government has also been asked by the scoping report to institute redress – which would likely cost the Exchequer well over €1bn based on other models.
Gardaí have been briefed on the outline of the report, but the scale of cases is now expected to mushroom.
Speaking at a press conference at Government Buildings, Ms Foley, who became emotional, said there is a “moral obligation” on religious orders to contribute to compensation for the “truly shocking” abuse perpetrated.
Ms Foley added a redress scheme for survivors will also be considered.
The report highlights how abuse at school affected survivors’ trust and left them feeling that due to the power of the Catholic Church, there was no one they could tell, including their parents.
“Our schools should be places of haven, not horror,” Ms Foley said.
Ms Foley added: “Today is about shining a light on the actions of abusers during a dark, distressing and horrific period in our history. These were the people who were meant to build up children and young people in their care.
“Instead, they broke them down. These abusers betrayed trust, they betrayed innocence, they betrayed the beauty and joy that should be at the core of childhood.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris, speaking after the report’s publication, vowed there would be justice for victims and said: “I want to say this on behalf of the Government, and I want to say this on behalf of the people of Ireland: we will get this right.”
Survivors said the abuse they suffered led to mental health issues in adulthood such as anxiety or depression, addiction issues, and damage to their sense of community.
One person told the inquiry: “It happened in the ’60s, but really, it’s happened every day since. You live with it every day. I try to move on, but it hits me in the face.”
Many described having PTSD and failed intimate relationships or marriage breakdowns, and some said that as a result of the sexual abuse, they decided not to have children.
The representative body for Catholic orders across Ireland last night said it is “deeply sorry” that victims experienced abuse in religious-run schools.
The Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious in Ireland (AMRI) said it “welcomed” the report and acknowledged “the courage and bravery of the victims and survivors”.
It said it worked with those of its members who are involved in running schools to facilitate the fullest co-operation in the inquiry. “We will carefully examine the recommendations and respond accordingly,” it added.
Helplines: If you have been affected by the contents of this article, the organisation One in Four provides services to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. One in Four can be contacted by calling 01 662 4070 or by completing the form at www.oneinfour.ie/contact