Victims Of Child Abuse In Faith Settings Encouraged To Share Experiences

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have encouraged victims and survivors of historical child abuse in faith settings to share their experiences for a research project.

The Executive Office commissioned the study which will look at the experiences of victims and survivors across all faith settings while also seeking to understand what participants see as potential next steps.

The work will be overseen by the Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG), which was set up to oversee research and develop recommendations in respect of historical Mother and Baby Institutions/Magdalene Laundries as well as historical clerical child abuse (HCCA).

The project is one of three pieces of research which have been commissioned to examine the extent and systemic nature of historical child abuse in faith settings in Northern Ireland.

First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, said: "Clerical child abuse has had a devastating impact on many people here, and those affected deserve truth and justice. "It is also important that they are able to tell their stories about the abuse they suffered, to be listened to and have their voices heard. This study will offer a safe space for people to do that."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: "We recognise the importance of fully understanding the prevalence of child abuse in faith settings and the impact it has had on victims and survivors.

"This research will help inform how we can best address the needs of those affected by historical clerical child abuse. I would encourage people to come forward and take part in the study, to share their lived experience and tell their stories about what happened in their own words."

Professor Tim Chapman has been commissioned to carry out the study. He said: "I would encourage anyone who would like to, to come forward and take part in this study.

"Our team has significant experience in engaging with victims and survivors and will ensure that you are given a voice and enabled to relate your individual lived experience as part of a confidential process.

"I would reassure everyone that participants will be supported in telling their story through a victim-centred approach with access to qualified counsellors for those who need them."

Those interested in participating in the oral history study, please contact Tim Chapman at timchapman@rjteam.net or 07351 940491, before the end of February.