RCNI Press Release 11 December 2007
HSE report into sexual abuse does not adequately explain unacceptable delay
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today welcomed the long overdue ‘Western Health Board Inquiry into Brothers of Charity Services in Galway,’ but felt that no adequate explanation was given for the unacceptable delay in finalising this damning report.
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘it is very difficult not to come to the conclusion that the Health Board handed all allegations of abuse over to the Gardaí in 2000, and then washed their hands of the matter. There is no adequate explanation for why this report has taken almost ten years to be produced.
It contains information on terrible abuse, and collusion by the Brothers of Charity. I believe the delay is a reflection of the second class status given the children and adults with disabilities in Ireland. The Brother of Charity have a case to answer regarding their protection of abusers, failure to adequately respond to reports of abuse and failure to protect children in their care.
In just one case, where a child climbed out the window at night to escape abuse, when the Gardaí were going to pick up the Brother, a more senior Brother took action and moved the sex offender. This sex offender eventually worked in the UK and his employers were not informed of allegations of abuse against him (pg 129).
‘We are heartened that statutory national procedures are to be in place arising out of this report by January 2008 in all the 1000+ agencies that provide services for people with learning disability on behalf of the State.
Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447
……………………….ENDS…………………………..
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘it is very difficult not to come to the conclusion that the Health Board handed all allegations of abuse over to the Gardaí in 2000, and then washed their hands of the matter. There is no adequate explanation for why this report has taken almost ten years to be produced.
It contains information on terrible abuse, and collusion by the Brothers of Charity. I believe the delay is a reflection of the second class status given the children and adults with disabilities in Ireland. The Brother of Charity have a case to answer regarding their protection of abusers, failure to adequately respond to reports of abuse and failure to protect children in their care.
In just one case, where a child climbed out the window at night to escape abuse, when the Gardaí were going to pick up the Brother, a more senior Brother took action and moved the sex offender. This sex offender eventually worked in the UK and his employers were not informed of allegations of abuse against him (pg 129).
‘We are heartened that statutory national procedures are to be in place arising out of this report by January 2008 in all the 1000+ agencies that provide services for people with learning disability on behalf of the State.
Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447
……………………….ENDS…………………………..