Over 160 contacts made to gardaí over historical sexual abuse in schools
Gardaí have received more than 160 contacts since their appeal on Wednesday relating to historical sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders
Over 160 people have contacted gardaí since their appeal on Wednesday relating to historical sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders.
It follows a 700-page damning scoping inquiry, released on Tuesday, September 3, that names 308 schools across the country where a total of 2,395 allegations of historical abuse against 884 alleged abusers were reported.
The inquiry revealed it had contacted 73 religious orders that ran or are still running schools in the State, adding that approximately half of the alleged abusers are now believed to be dead.
Schools across the country have also been named in the report including schools run by The Congregation of Sisters of Mercy, The Carmelite Fathers, and the Jesuits.
In a statement this Saturday afternoon, gardaí said they have eceived over 160 contacts since launching their appeal on Wednesday, September 4.
These reports have been made directly to the Sexual Crime Management Unit at Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) by email and telephone.
Reports have also been made to the CSAR (Child Sexual Abuse Reporting) phone line and in person at individual Garda Stations.
In a statement, gardaí said they are now "in the process, and has been over the last 72 hours, of making direct contact back with each individual person who has contacted us."
"This is a very sensitive process. An Garda Síochána understands the profound impact that sexual abuse has on the lives of each individual who are now coming forward," the statement continued.
"In most cases this is the first time when these victims of a crime have spoken to An Garda Síochána.
"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."
Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau also stated that 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 continued.
He promised garda support for "each individual who makes a report to us", and reassured anyone who may wish to reach out to gardaí that all interactions will be "treated in complete confidence."
Detective Chief Superintendent Noonan further appealed to "any person who has not spoken about being the victim of sexual abuse," to remember they are not alone.
"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.”
For the purpose of reporting to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available: by emailing [email protected], by phoning the confidential and free 24/7 service Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222, or by calling to your local Garda Station.
Anyone contacting An Garda Síochána will receive personal contact as soon as possible.
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.