Menu
29/05/2003
Government called on to investigate school sex abuse claim
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission today called upon the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to conduct a statutory inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse at Cabin Hill Preparatory School in the early 1990s.
The call comes after the Commission closely examined claims made by the father of one of the victims that his son was sexually abused at the school in 1992.
The man also claimed that the school did not report this and other incidents of abuse to the relevant authorities. It was only in 1999, after a number of attempts at suicide, that the boy disclosed the abuse to his parents.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, the Chief Commissioner, Professor Brice Dickson, said: "Obviously it is a matter of great concern if parents cannot be sure that proper systems are in place, and are being followed, for the protection of their children against sexual, physical and emotional abuse in all our schools.
"The particular allegations in this case are, in the Commission's view, so serious as to merit a statutory inquiry under the relevant legislation. Such an inquiry would clarify what steps were or were not taken by the school in question and whether these were sufficient in the circumstances. Lessons can then be drawn for all other schools in Northern Ireland."
(MB)
The call comes after the Commission closely examined claims made by the father of one of the victims that his son was sexually abused at the school in 1992.
The man also claimed that the school did not report this and other incidents of abuse to the relevant authorities. It was only in 1999, after a number of attempts at suicide, that the boy disclosed the abuse to his parents.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, the Chief Commissioner, Professor Brice Dickson, said: "Obviously it is a matter of great concern if parents cannot be sure that proper systems are in place, and are being followed, for the protection of their children against sexual, physical and emotional abuse in all our schools.
"The particular allegations in this case are, in the Commission's view, so serious as to merit a statutory inquiry under the relevant legislation. Such an inquiry would clarify what steps were or were not taken by the school in question and whether these were sufficient in the circumstances. Lessons can then be drawn for all other schools in Northern Ireland."
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2018
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
Schools Closures Across NI
The Department of Education have published a list of all schools across that have confirmed they will be closed today, Friday 2nd March, 2018 due to the adverse weather conditions.
22 January 2013
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
Heavy Snow Closes Over 80 Schools
Over 80 schools across Northern Ireland have been closed as the heavy snow continues to cause disruption on Tuesday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, as the snow is continuing to affect many roads. Areas which have been majorly disrupted include Lisburn, Castlereagh and Carryduff.
06 December 2024
New Bill To Make School Uniforms More Affordable
Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the Executive's decision to allow the preparation of a new School Uniforms Bill. The proposed legislation aims to make school uniforms more affordable for parents by requiring schools to prioritise affordability in their uniform policies.
New Bill To Make School Uniforms More Affordable
Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the Executive's decision to allow the preparation of a new School Uniforms Bill. The proposed legislation aims to make school uniforms more affordable for parents by requiring schools to prioritise affordability in their uniform policies.
21 October 2022
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
£5.5m School Holiday Food Grant Announced
The families of children entitled to free school meals will receive a school holiday food grant until March 2023, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced.
11 August 2016
Fire At L'Derry Primary School Being Treated As Suspicious
A fire at a L'Derry primary school is believed to have been started deliberately. The fire at the Good Shepherd Primary School, in the Waterside area of the city, was reported shortly before 8pm on Wednesay night, 10 August.
Fire At L'Derry Primary School Being Treated As Suspicious
A fire at a L'Derry primary school is believed to have been started deliberately. The fire at the Good Shepherd Primary School, in the Waterside area of the city, was reported shortly before 8pm on Wednesay night, 10 August.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
