'You are not alone, you will be heard': Gardaí receive 160 reports of alleged sexual abuse in three days 

In the three days since An Garda Síochána appealed for people to come forward to report crimes relating to historical sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders, they have received more than 160 contacts.

The garda appeal, made on Wednesday, came in the wake of the publication of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders.

The investigation, led by senior counsel Mary O’Toole, found almost 2,400 allegations of abuse were made about 884 alleged abusers in 308 day and boarding schools run by 42 Catholic religious orders across the country.

In Cork alone, there were more than 300 allegations of abuse against more than 130 alleged abusers in more than 30 schools.

The report contains 166 allegations against 50 alleged abusers at the Brothers of Charity in Lota in Glanmire. 

After the allegations regarding Lota, the highest number of allegations relating to a Cork school concerns Coláiste an Chroí Naofa, Carrignavar, run by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, where there are 42 allegations against four alleged abusers.

Since the gardaí made their appeal, they have received more than 160 reports, most of which 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 through the Child Sexual Abuse Reporting (CSAR) phone line and in person at individual garda stations.

It is understood that gardaí believe this is the beginning of what may turn out to be a large-scale and long-running investigation.

The garda press office said on Saturday that gardaí are now in the process of making direct contact with each person who has contacted them, in what was described as “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.

“In most cases this is the first time when these victims of a crime have spoken to An Garda Síochána,” a garda spokesperson said.

“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.” An Garda Síochána’s overall response is being coordinated by the Sexual Crime Management Unit at the GNPSB, with individual investigations 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,” the spokesperson said.

Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan of the GNSB said anyone coming forward would be treated with sensitivity by gardaí.

“An Garda Síochána is 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. 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,” Det Chief Supt Noonan said.

“Any person contacting An Garda Síochána can be assured that their interaction will be treated in complete confidence.” 

Speaking directly to anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, Det Chief Supt Noonan appealed to them to come forward.

"To 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.” 

For anyone wishing to report sexual abuse to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available:

• By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie 
• By phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7. 
• By calling to your local garda station.

Anyone contacting An Garda Síochána will receive personal contact as soon as possible.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.