Memorial to victims of abuse

Sir, – The designers of the Journey of Light memorial to victims of abuse (Home News, April 11th) eloquently assert that their memorial will be a constant reminder that the abuse of children must never happen again – which no doubt will resonate with many.

However, while the process of remembrance may have its own healing dynamic, it is the Government’s introduction of a comprehensive legal framework to protect children for the future which is the critical response to concerns. Concrete edifices, no matter how worthy, are no substitute for past neglect; and the money for this memorial might be better spent supporting the Bethany Home victims.

Survivors live with the effects of abuse in perpetuity and some of us don’t need continual reminders marked in stone. – Yours, etc,

PETER MULVANY,

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BCL, HDip Arts Admin,

Conquer Hill Road,

Clontarf,

Dublin 3.