Gardai contacted more than 160 times since historical abuse appeal launched
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
Gardai have been contacted more than 160 times within three days of launching an appeal related to historical sexual abuse at schools ran by religious orders.
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.
READ MORE - Full list of 308 religious-run schools and number of abuse allegations in harrowing report
READ MORE - Catholic representative body 'deeply sorry' for abuse in religious schools
On Wednesday, gardai launched an appeal asking anyone wishing to report such crimes to contact them.
Since then, more than 160 contacts had been made to the Sexual Crime Management Unit at Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) by email and telephone, the Child Sexual Abuse Reporting phone line and in person at individual Garda Stations.
Gardai are making direct contact back with each individual person who has contacted the organisation.
A spokeswoman said: "This is a very sensitive process. An Garda Siochana 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 Siochana.
"Each person will be given the time and space to discuss their personal experience and An Garda Siochana will continue to support each person through the process at the pace and to the extent that they wish to engage with us."
Individual investigations will be carried out by dedicated trained gardai attached to Divisional Protective Service Units.
On Saturday, Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan at the GNPSB said: "An Garda Siochana 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 Siochana will support each individual who makes a report to us; An Garda Siochana 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 Siochana can be assured that their interaction will be treated in complete confidence."
He added: "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 Siochana 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 Siochana."
People can report such crimes to gardai by emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie, phoning the free and confidential Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222, or by attending their local garda station.
Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
