Physical and Child Sexual Abuse in Ireland was endemic between 1940 and the late 1970s
July 27, 2009: A report released May 20 by the Irish State Commission of Inquiry reveals child sexual abuse was rampant in Ireland
By MICHELE BETTI | b&f opinions July 27, 2009
The Irish government established an independent commission in 2000 to hear evidence from anyone alleged to have suffered child abuse at institutions since 1940. These institutions, funded by the state, but often run by Catholic religious orders, included schools, orphanages, hospitals, children’s homes or any other institutions where children were in the care of non-family members.
As you read excerpts from the report below you will see ten similarities that often occur in child sexual abuse cases today. They include:
- When confronted with evidence of sexual abuse, the response of the religious authorities was to transfer the offender to another location where, in many instances, he was free to abuse again.
- Abusers were moved, but nothing was done about the harm done to the child.
- Authoritarian management systems prevented disclosures by staff and served to perpetuate abuse.
- Lack of transparency in how the matter of sexual abuse was dealt with between the Congregations, dioceses and the Department.
- Men with histories of sexual abuse when they were members of religious Orders continued their teaching careers as lay teachers in State schools.
- The Department of Education dealt inadequately with complaints about sexual abuse.
These complaints were generally dismissed or ignored. Continue Reading
