RCNI Press Release 25 May 2006
RCNI urges Commision on Child Abuse to consider wishes of survivors
The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today issued their support for Irish Survivors of Child Abuse (SOCA) and other survivor groups in their demand to be publicly heard by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we recognise that affording victims confidentiality is a concern. However, it is also the case that victims themselves should have the right to a choice in giving up their confidentiality, especially in light of any attack to their character and denial of the abuses perpetrated against them. Br Gibson has been provided with a public platform to make unfounded and non-evidence based allegations regarding the motivations of previous residents of Christian Brother run residential institutions – knowing that these will receive maximum media coverage. Whilst vigorously challenged, and exposed as unfounded by legal teams within the Commission, the damage has been done.
It is deeply regretable that Br Gibson's accusations, alongside the Sisters of Mercy's back-tracking, comes at the same time that the Commission of Investigation into Child Abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese dealing with abuse by members of the clergy is calling for victims to come forward.
We urge Justice Sean Ryan to examine fully ways in which victims can appropriately have their voices heard publicly within the Commission. In this sensitive area we are presently only hearing one side of the story, the religious order’s defence. In the case of child abuse allegations, history shows us, and Br Gibson admits, that this has often meant placing the interest of the victim second to that of the self-preservation and protection of the institution. Every effort needs to be made by the Commission and all those involved, including the Christian Brothers, to ensure victims are not re-victimised by this process.'
Notes and Statistics:
• 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
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Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we recognise that affording victims confidentiality is a concern. However, it is also the case that victims themselves should have the right to a choice in giving up their confidentiality, especially in light of any attack to their character and denial of the abuses perpetrated against them. Br Gibson has been provided with a public platform to make unfounded and non-evidence based allegations regarding the motivations of previous residents of Christian Brother run residential institutions – knowing that these will receive maximum media coverage. Whilst vigorously challenged, and exposed as unfounded by legal teams within the Commission, the damage has been done.
It is deeply regretable that Br Gibson's accusations, alongside the Sisters of Mercy's back-tracking, comes at the same time that the Commission of Investigation into Child Abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese dealing with abuse by members of the clergy is calling for victims to come forward.
We urge Justice Sean Ryan to examine fully ways in which victims can appropriately have their voices heard publicly within the Commission. In this sensitive area we are presently only hearing one side of the story, the religious order’s defence. In the case of child abuse allegations, history shows us, and Br Gibson admits, that this has often meant placing the interest of the victim second to that of the self-preservation and protection of the institution. Every effort needs to be made by the Commission and all those involved, including the Christian Brothers, to ensure victims are not re-victimised by this process.'
Notes and Statistics:
• 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
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Rape Crisis Network Ireland, The Halls, Quay Street, Galway, Ireland
Registered in Dublin, Ireland Company Reg.: 363350 Charity No.: 13236
091 563676
091 563677
Registered in Dublin, Ireland Company Reg.: 363350 Charity No.: 13236
