The publication this week of the findings of a scoping inquiry into the sexual abuse of schoolboys has been met with widespread shock.
Prompted by the bravery of a handful of men who revealed the sexual abuse they experienced in some of the State’s most exclusive schools the scoping inquiry began and soon broadened to include 308 schools as more and more men came forward.
In interviews, the men – now mostly in their 50s or 60s – were frank about the shocking levels of sexual abuse they experienced as schoolchildren. They bravely exposed a systemic culture of abuse in religious-run day and boarding schools throughout the country; 2,395 allegations were reported against 884 people.
The next step for the State is to establish a commission of inquiry, but how long will it take and what justice can the men hope to receive?
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Journalist Patsy McGarry tells In the News about the scoping inquiry, the powers and range of the commission once established and the difficulties the State has come up against in making religious orders pay compensation to victims.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan and Aideen Finnegan.
Some support services: The national 24-hour rape crisis helpline is at 1800 77 8888. One in Four, the organisation that helps adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, can be contacted on 01 662 4070.
