Garda encourage victims of historical sexual abuse to come forward

Wed, 04 Sep, 2024 - 21:06

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Anyone who wishes to report a crime relating to historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders in Ireland has been encouraged to come forward by Garda.

It was announced on Tuesday that a commission of investigation is to be established to examine historical sexual abuse claims.

Almost 2,400 allegations of historical sexual abuse were recorded by 308 schools run by religious orders across Ireland, a Government-ordered scoping inquiry revealed.

A Garda spokesperson said anyone coming forward to the force will receive personal contact “as soon as is practicable”.

The spokesperson said: “An Garda Siochana is inviting 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.

Religious orders schools Scoping Inquiry – Ireland — Minister for Education Norma Foley launched the scoping inquiry report on Tuesday (Niall Carson/PA)

“An Garda Síochána is fully aware of the profound impact on the lives of those who were subject to such abuse, many of whom who may only be disclosing this information for the first time.

“An Garda Síochána will deal with any matters reported by complainants in a sensitive manner and will, where possible, progress matters through investigation.

“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 Garda National Protective Service Bureau will maintain oversight of the investigations carried out by specially-trained garda.

The spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána is also appealing to anyone who may have information, including as a witness, relating to crimes of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders, to make contact with them so that such crimes can be investigated.”