RCNI Press Release 26 May 2009

The RCNI rejects Religious Congregations’ compensation proposal

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today rejected the religious congregation’s compensation proposal and called on these orders to immediately take appropriate responsibility. It is unacceptable for agencies involved in the systematic abuse and failings revealed in the Ryan report to now promote themselves as best placed to meet the needs of those they have previously betrayed.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director said, ‘the RCNI today comprehensively rejects the new proposal by the 18 religious orders, whereby some further, unspecified, money is to be made available by them for the care of victims abused whilst in the care of their institutions. This proposal is without doubt yet another act of aggressive self protection by these institutions. Under no circumstances can any office or agency of these institutions be involved in the administration of any such fund which, if agreed to, must be handed over fully to the state for any dispersal.

‘What survivors want now is to see these institutions move quickly to take appropriate responsibility for the abuse perpetrated under their care. The RCNI calls on them to do so immediately. Sadly, yet again we see these institutions employ the legal profession and hide behind so called legal concerns in order to aggressively protect their self preservation at any cost. The result is a prolonged and protracted public debate, where many survivors feel they have no option but to go public about the details of the abuse they suffered in order to appeal for responsibility to be taken. Hearing the details of these horrendous abuses is deeply traumatising for survivors in Ireland.

‘Rape crisis centres through-out Ireland are now being contacted by survivors who had previously ceased contact with their service, but are now returning for support as they are struggling to cope with hearing about this abuse and violence. These are survivors of all forms of abuse, not just those abused within institutions – survivors of all forms of abuse are affected by the details of this abuse. Many of them feel that they cannot get away from abuse at the moment – they feel surrounded by it. Members of the public are also contacting RCCs, asking if there is anything they can do –they feel distressed, overwhelmed and powerless.

‘What survivors want is to live lives free of the abuse they suffered. They want to see the religious institutions move quickly to take responsibility for the neglect and abuse perpetrated under their care. They want these orders to stop their aggressive, excessively legalistic, self-protective approach. They do not want these same institutions to be involved in any administration of funds to victims.’

Notes:
• The RCNI is the national Rape Crisis Sector body, which provides a voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change towards a society free from abuse.
• Rape Crisis Centers throughout the country offer support to both survivors and to those supporting survivors.
For information contact:
Clíona Saidléar: 087 2196447
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