Bacik urges survivors of historical sexual abuse in schools to participate in Commission survey
Bacik urges survivors of historical sexual abuse in schools to participate in Commission survey - The Labour Party
Labour leader Ivana Bacik TD has welcomed the announcement of the Commission of Investigations survey seeking to gather information from survivors of historic child abuse in schools.
Deputy Bacik said the trauma-informed approach taken by the Commission should put survivors at the heart of the process.
Deputy Bacik said:
“Over decades, extraordinarily brave survivors have come forward to expose some of the darkest chapters in Irish history. Their testimony has forced this State to confront the appalling abuse perpetrated against children in schools and institutions run by religious orders.
“The public survey is a very welcome next step in attaining justice for these survivors. Many have spent years pursuing justice through the courts, only to find themselves frustrated by legal structures that frustrate accountability.
“Survivors are getting older, and as the Commission rightly points out, some have passed away. It is welcome that family members are invited to participate where appropriate, acting on behalf of affected people.
“Survivors have waited decades for justice; and justice delayed is justice denied.
“Earlier this year I was proud to progress legislation, Labour’s Civil Liability (Child Sexual Abuse Proceedings Against Unincorporated Bodies of Persons) Bill, which would address the current legal provisions that have allowed religious orders, as unincorporated bodies, to avoid legal responsibility for abuse perpetrated in their institutions, by transferring their assets into complex trust arrangements.
“While I welcome the fact that the Government did not oppose principle of the Bill, their decision to postpone further debate on the Bill for another six months is profoundly disappointing. This delay is particularly difficult to understand because the Government has already had sight of this Bill for almost two years. I hope that this welcome public campaign by the Commission will now encourage more urgent action from Government to enable justice for survivors.”