Victims and survivors of historical child abuse in faith settings encouraged to share their experiences
Date published:
The First Minister and deputy First Minister are encouraging victims and survivors of historical child abuse in faith settings to tell their stories as part of a research study.
The project, which has been commissioned by The Executive Office, will look at the experiences of victims and survivors across all faith settings. It will also seek to understand what participants see as potential next steps.
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 said:
“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.”
The study 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. 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). These are areas that were not covered by the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry.
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.”
Lisa Caldwell, chair of the Interdepartmental Working Group, explained:
“This is an important milestone in this crucial programme of research. When the three research pieces are complete, we will provide Ministers with recommendations on the proposed way forward. Lived experience will form a key part of these recommendations.”
If you would like to participate in the oral history study, please contact Tim Chapman at timchapman@rjteam.net or call him on 07351940491, before end of February 2025.
Notes to editors:
- Victims and Survivors Reference Group member Anthony (Tony) Gribben, is available for interview. Please contact press office for further information.
- Prof Tim Chapman is also available for interview. He can be contacted at timchapman@rjteam.net or by phone on 07351940491.
- In addition to the oral history study, two further pieces of work are also under way - one considering what historical records show about how the faith sector and public bodies responded to allegations of clerical abuse, and the other reviewing safeguarding policy and practice within the faith sector.
- The Interdepartmental Working Group was set up in 2016 at the request of the Northern Ireland Executive to take forward work on historic Mother and Baby Homes/Magdalene Laundries (MBH/ML) and Historical Clerical Child Abuse (HCCA). Its work on MBH/ML is now finished and its sole focus is now HCCA.
- The membership of the Group includes representatives from The Executive Office, the Departments of Health, Justice, Education, Economy, Communities, and the Departmental Solicitor’s Office. It is jointly sponsored by The Executive Office and the Department of Health.
- Lisa Caldwell was appointed as the Independent Chair to the Interdepartmental Working Group in November 2023.