Gardaí receive over 160 contacts relating to historical sexual abuse in religious schools
It follows the report of the Scoping Inquiry, set up to examine historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders
It follows the report of the Scoping Inquiry, set up to examine historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. The Scoping Inquiry, released earlier this week, revealed some 2,395 allegations of historical sexual abuse, involving 884 alleged abusers in 308 schools across all parts of the country between the years 1927 to 2013.Most of these allegations were reported from the records of some 42 religious orders who currently or previously ran schools in Ireland.An Garda Síochána issued an appeal on Wednesday, September 4, asking “anyone who wishes to report a crime relating to Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders” to come forward. "Anyone who believes they were the victim of a criminal act relating to Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools run by Religious Orders, to please come forward and report this,” the appeal said.Since then, gardaí said they have received over 160 contacts.These reports have been made predominately directly to the Sexual Crime Management Unit at Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) by email and telephone but also by the CSAR (Child Sexual Abuse Reporting) phone line and in person at individual Garda Stations.An Garda Síochána is now in the process, and has been over the last 72 hours, of making direct contact back with each individual person who has contacted them.They described it as a “very sensitive process” adding that they understand the “profound impact that sexual abuse has on the lives of each individual who are now coming forward”.In most cases it is the first time when these victims of a crime have spoken to gardaí."Each person will be given the time and space to discuss their personal experience and An Garda Síochána will continue to support each person through the process at the pace and to the extent that they wish to engage with us,” a spokesperson said.An Garda Síochána’s overall response is being coordinated by the Sexual Crime Management Unit at the GNPSB.Individual investigations will be carried out by dedicated trained gardaí attached to Divisional Protective Service Units in each Garda Division.Any resources required will be made available to support each individual who has or may come forward to report a crime to An Garda Síochána.Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan, Garda National Protective Services Bureau, said gardaí are here to support any person who wishes to report any crime of Sexual Abuse not just in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders but also in any other institution or organisation."These crimes are insidious and have a lifelong effect on those who are subject of this abuse,” he said."An Garda Síochána will support each individual who makes a report to us; An Garda Síochána will listen and will assist in progressing their complaint at the pace and to the extent that the person wants."Any person contacting An Garda Síochána can be assured that their interaction will be treated in complete confidence.”Det Chief Supt Noonan added: “Any person who has not spoken about being the victim of sexual abuse, I would say the evidence in the Scoping Inquiry and the, so far, over 160 contacts made to An Garda Síochána show that you are not alone, you did nothing wrong and that if you want to speak your voice will be heard."I once again appeal to any person who believes they are the victim of a criminal act relating to Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools run by Religious Orders, to please come forward and report this to An Garda Síochána.”Anyone who wishes to report a crime relating to Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders is being urged to contact them.For the purpose of reporting to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available: By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie or by phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7.Someone looking to make a report can also report to their local Garda station.Anyone contacting An Garda Síochána will receive personal contact as soon as possible, gardaí said. "While it is our responsibility to effectively deal with all complaints and information received, there be limitations as to the action we can take in some cases due to matters such as the unavailability of evidence over time or suspects and/or witnesses being deceased. Where these factors are present,"An Garda Síochána will diligently explain such limitations to complainants,” the original appeal said.
