Priest, nuns and scoutmaster ‘abused boys’ at children’s home - court hears

Three nuns, a priest and a scoutmaster were complicit in “brutalising” boys at a Catholic home in the grip of a “cruel and vindictive regime”, a court has heard.
Details of the alleged goings on at St Francis children’s home in Shefford, Bedfordshire, were aired publicly in the trial of former carer James McCann. McCann, 80, is accused of 52 charges of violent and sexual assault on 26 boys aged between eight and 12 in the 1960s and 70s.

http://www.scotsman.com/news/priest-nuns-and-scoutmaster-abused-boys-at-children-s-home-1-4228162

DISGRACE; 2000; Lawyer helps child abuser nun to dodge prison; 2003; Catholic Church set to give him Papal Knighthood.

A LAWYER who helped a nun guilty of child cruelty walk free from court has been nominated for a top award by the Catholic Church. Gerald Cunningham has been put forward by Scotland's top Catholic, Archbishop Mario Conti, to pick up the Papal Knighthood for his legal services to the Church.
The devout Catholic aided lawyers who represented Sister Alphonso at her trial three years ago. Alphonso, a nun at children's home Nazareth House, Aberdeen, was accused of cruel and unnatural treatment of girls at homes over 15 years.

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/DISGRACE%3b+2000%3b+Lawyer+helps+child+abuser+nun+to+dodge+prison%3b+2003%3b...-a099370198

Nazareth nuns abused us all

THEY should have been safe - yet they were innocents who became victims through no fault of their own. Their mother was dead, their father unable to look after them, and the family turned to nuns for help.
The McGuigans - three brothers and three sisters - spoke yesterday of their trust in the Poor Sisters of Nazareth.  But they claim that trust was exploited in the most wicked way when they were systematically abused by nuns and sexually molested by other carers. Sadly, their harrowing story isn't unique.

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/NAZARETH+NUNS+ABUSED+US+ALL%3B+Family+to+sue+the+Poor+Sisters+who+are...-a060691760

Hell home' children's home ran by 'psychotic' nuns, inquiry told

Nuns who ran a hell hole children's home in Northern Ireland were nearly psychotic, a former resident said. The Sisters of Nazareth property in Londonderry was like Auschwitz, youngsters' screams of despair still haunting survivors, the UK's largest ever inquiry into institutional child abuse was told.
Imates formed chain gangs to polish floors until they sparkled - with arms linked and rags under both feet - and were beaten with bamboo canes and straps. One witness reported sexual abuse by older boys to a nun.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/hell-home-childrens-home-ran-by-psychotic-nuns-inquiry-told-29957977.html

How I helped Philomena track down her son sold by cruel nuns:

I first heard of Philomena Lee at a New Year’s party in 2004, when her daughter Jane approached me to ask for help.

She told me her mother had just revealed a shocking secret – that she, Jane, had a long-lost brother.  Could I, a former journalist, find out more?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2495391/How-I-helped-Philomena-track-son-sold-cruel-nuns-Its-film-toddler-torn-mother-reducing-grown-men-tears--REAL-story-haunt-forever.html 

Children were sexually abused, beaten, humiliated and lived in fear

The nuns who ran Termonbacca Boys’ Home in Derry failed to act over serious and repeated episodes of sexual abuse and violence perpetrated against young children. That was one of a number of key conclusions reached by the Historical Abuse Inquiry .
A harrowing catalogue of abuse was detailed by the Inquiry, including improper sexual and physical behaviour and emotional abuse perpetrated by older boys, individual sisters, several priests and visitors .

http://www.derryjournal.com/news/crime/children-were-sexually-abused-beaten-humiliated-and-lived-in-fear-1-7787619

What the North’s child abuse inquiry reveals

Another report of another child abuse inquiry was published last week. This time, the inquiry, the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry, chaired by retired judge Sir Anthony Hart, dealt with abuse in institutions in Northern Ireland.
These institutions were run by the Catholic Church, by the state, and by other voluntary bodies such as Barnardo’s and Protestant organisations. The inquiry covered the period 1922 (when partition occurred) until 1995.

http://www.irishcatholic.ie/article/what-north%E2%80%99s-child-abuse-inquiry-reveals

Nun Calls Out Monsignor Lynn

A nun who was sexually abused as a minor by a predator priest called out Monsignor William J. Lynn Thursday from her perch on the witness stand.

It was a dramatic confrontation as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia sex abuse trial wrapped up its seventh week of testimony. Lynn is on trial for allegedly conspiring to endanger the welfare of children by allowing abusive priests to continue in ministry.

http://www.bigtrial.net/2012/05/nun-calls-out-monsignor-lynn.html

High Court Magdalenes case adjourned after Ombudsman probe revealed

A High Court case has revealed that the Department of Justice is under investigation by the Ombudsman for its administration of the redress scheme for survivors of the Magdalene Laundries.
The Justice for Magdalenes group says the case has been adjourned while representatives from the Department of Justice explain why the Ombudsman's investigation was not initially disclosed.

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/high-court-magdalenes-case-adjourned-after-ombudsman-probe-revealed-774245.html

Sisters of Nazareth accused of impeding historic sex abuse investigation

A religious order in Melbourne has been accused of impeding an investigation into historic sex abuse at a former children's home.

Barry Potocic, 54, has spent thirty years trying to identify the nun who he says used him as a sex toy at the age of eight, at Nazareth House in Camberwell. He suffers post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, as well as serious dental problems — the result of grinding his teeth during regular nightmares.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-23/sisters-of-nazareth-accused-of-impeding-sex-abuse-investigation/7050832?pfmredir=sm 

Real life Philomena calls on Vatican to open files on forced adoptions

I 2nd this call into force adoptions of children... in all orphanages and homes... it has to go much further than the adoptions of babies... not only from our mothers point of view... what must take place this time round... it must take a real hard look into what happened with the babies... who were forced from their mother's arms...
it has to also take into consideration... because it did not only happen in Ireland... the stealing of babies... adopted out to the highest bidder worldwide... many of us babies... have tried a life time in pain and torment... in trying to find our mothers... most of us still do not know the real truth... as the nuns have fed us lies... from the first day... that we asked them about our mothers... we will go to our graves... never knowing the full truth... of our mothers fighting to keep us... but as like us still now... we are held back and told lie after lie... so as we will give up... never ever mistake a child's love... for their mothers... they have never meet... just to see her face for the first time... but this time knowing that she is your mother... to give her a hug and to hold her hand... is that not too much to ask for...  Ann

  ==================================

Irish woman whose story of having her child taken away by Catholic Church inspired Steve Coogan's Bafta-nominated film speaks after meeting Pope.

A woman whose three-year-old son was taken from her by the Catholic Church more than 60 years ago has called on the Vatican to open up its files on the policy of forced adoptions.  Philomena Lee’s tragic story inspired the film Philomena, which stars Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, who wrote the screenplay.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/10621970/Real-life-Philomena-calls-on-Vatican-to-open-files-on-forced-adoptions.html 

Irish care home scandal inquiry into deaths of 'inferior sub-species' infants

Investigation announced into 4,000 deaths at Irish Mother and Baby homes where up to one in two new borns did not survive. 

The Irish government has bowed to pressure to set up an official inquiry into deaths and abuse at homes for unmarried mothers after it found 4,000 infants had been buried in unmarked graves at institutions where morality rates ran as high as 50 per cent. 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ireland/10890313/Irish-care-home-scandal-inquiry-into-deaths-of-inferior-sub-species-infants.html

Convent that 'forced' young mothers to give up their babies

Children given up for adoption as babies are trying to trace the mothers who say they were pressured by Catholic nuns into giving them away  Hundreds of teenage mothers who gave birth at a Roman Catholic convent in Britain had “no choice” but to give up their babies for adoption, it can be disclosed.

Despite desperately wanting to keep them, many of the women say they were forcefully encouraged to give up their babies by the convent’s nuns, who told them that as single women they would not make good mothers and did not deserve to have a child.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10932969/Convent-that-forced-young-mothers-to-give-up-their-babies.html 

.

Historical Abuse Inquiry: Termonbacca resident tells of abuse

A priest told a former resident of a children's home in Northern Ireland he was the product of an evil and satanic relationship, an inquiry has heard.

The witness lived at St Joseph's in Termonbacca, Londonderry, in the 1950s. He said he became a zombie, introverted and fearing the next beating.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-25948005 

More than 100 nuns have been accused of molesting children.

Over the last decade, more than 100 nuns have been accused of molesting children. Most victims
remain silent, but The Times tracked down two, and the mother of a third, willing to talk about their
journey of recovery.
Myra Hidalgo was 14 when her older sister Mona shot herself in the head. During her second year in college, her 52-year-old mother died of heart problems weeks after undergoing what was supposed to be a routine angioplasty. Little more than a year later, her father, heartbroken, shot himself in the heart.

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news5/2002_08_07_Rom_DevotionAnd.htm 

Most complaints concerned physical abuse

SISTERS OF MERCY:THE SISTERS of Mercy ran 26 industrial schools during the period investigated by the commission, making them the largest providers of care by nuns.

It became a unified congregation in the 1980s but before that, all convents operated independently of each other. Most complaints from former residents of these institutions concerned physical abuse but there were a number of serious incidents of sexual abuse perpetrated by lay staff in the schools.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/most-complaints-concerned-physical-abuse-1.766962 

Unholy childhood

When the Holy Childhood Of Jesus School in Harbor Springs was demolished last fall, so too, perhaps, was some of the evidence of alleged sexual and physical abuse.
That’s the belief of Veronica Pasfield, a University of Michigan doctoral candidate and Bay Mills tribal member. Pasfield is documenting the school’s history, along with the Mount Pleasant Indian Boarding School.

https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/article-3760-unholy-childhood/

Abuse survivor Gordon Hill calls for Catholic Church to properly compensate victims, not offer apologies

A witness who gave harrowing evidence at the child sex abuse royal commission has called for the Government to enforce a redress scheme that would ensure the Catholic Church pay compensation to victims of past crimes.

Despite the mounting evidence of the horrific legacy of clergy abuse across western Victoria, many survivors have yet to receive any compensation for the harm they endured as children and its lifelong effects.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-10/abuse-survivor-calls-for-financial-compensation-from-church/7019284 

Child abuse inquiry hears priest regularly raped boy at St Joseph's orphanage Neerkol

At the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, David Owen has given evidence he was sodomised by Father Anderson at St Joseph's Orphanage Neerkol regularly over several years in the 1930s and 1940s. Mr Owen also described the physical abuse he suffered at the hands of the nuns who ran the orphanage.

Samantha Donovan

Show transcript

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-16/child-abuse-inquiry-hears-priest-regularly-raped/6397758 

Robert Burns—an auld radical

The ruling class loves to claim the 18th century Scottish poet Robert Burns as its own. Yet through Burns’ poetry, Charlie McKinnon uncovers his real, revolutionary legacy.  Robert Burns’ real, radical legacy is buried by the ruling class who like to claim him as “their own”.
Most people associate the 18th century Scottish poet with singing Auld Lang Syne on New Year’s Eve or Burns Supper events marking his birthday on 25 January. At such events, we’re presented with a sentimental and romanticised portrayal of Burns.

https://socialistworker.co.uk/art/43940/Robert+Burns+an+auld+radical 

Priest assaulted girl in Confessional Box

The Historical Abuse Inquiry has upheld an allegation from a former resident at Nazareth House that she was sexually abused at the age of four or five by a Sister at the Bishop Street home. The Inquiry team found that the incident was not reported to the police when the victim related it to another Sister many years later.
The Inquiry also accepted testimony from another witness that she was persistently abused from the ages of eight to 12 by a priest, including during one episode in a Confessional Box and another in a Sacristy. The priest sometimes gave her a mint after abusing her.

http://www.derryjournal.com/news/priest-assaulted-girl-in-confessional-box-1-7787621

The Historical Abuse Inquiry has upheld an allegation from a former resident at Nazareth House that she was sexually abused at the age of four or five by a Sister at the Bishop Street home.

Irish Bishops open up to the Vatican about sexual abuse

After a 10 year hiatus since their last Ad Limina, which usually takes place every five years, the Irish bishops came to Rome to discuss the state of the Church in Ireland.  

They met with nearly all the major departments of the Roman Curia and Pope Francis, where open discussions took place about issues such as migration, secularism, women in the Church and outreach to the poor. However, one main topic of interest was the clerical sex abuse in the country.

 

http://www.romereports.com/2017/01/23/irish-bishops-open-up-to-the-vatican-about-sexual-abuse 

HIA report shows politicians must hold institutions to account

Hearts and minds are already being appealed to; the battle for immortal souls cannot be far behind.
In the election campaign effectively under way already, the DUP will try desperately to stop the handling of public money being issue Number One. Politicians competing to represent the other main community will be quizzed not only on the point of having a Stormont, but also about their personal faith and morals.

http://www.irishnews.com/opinion/columnists/2017/01/24/news/fionnuala-o-connor-hia-report-shows-politicians-must-hold-institutions-to-account-901520/ 

Irish Catholic church child abuse: 'A cruel and wicked system'

In their distinctive Thunderbirds-style light-blue uniforms with red trim the Artane Boys Band are icons of Irish music. For decades, the band marched around the pitch at Croke Park, Dublin, and played across Ireland, Britain and the US.
But behind this image of boyhood whole­someness lay a darker truth. Until the 1970s thousands of the young men in the band were being abused, beaten and exploited at the industrial school that gave the ensemble its name.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/may/20/irish-catholic-church-child-abuse1 

Endemic' rape and abuse of Irish children in Catholic care, inquiry finds

Beatings and humiliation by nuns and priests were common at institutions that held up to 30,000 children, Ryan report states
Rape and sexual molestation were "endemic" in Irish Catholic church-run industrial schools and orphanages, a report revealed today. The nine-year investigation found that Catholic priests and nuns for decades terrorised thousands of boys and girls in the Irish Republic, while government inspectors failed to stop the chronic beatings, rape and humiliation.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/may/20/irish-catholic-schools-child-abuse-claims

Walk 10. Walking with sociologist Linda Connolly in Cork.

I was looking forward to walking with Linda Connolly, Professor of Sociology at University College Cork (who has since moved to Maynooth University) although I expected it to be quite harrowing too. Ireland has been rocked by revelations of institutional abuses in mother and baby homes, industrial schools, orphanages, asylums and Magdalene Laundries in recent years.
Women were committed to the Magdalene Laundries, often by family members and usually because they were seen as deviant or sexually promiscuous.  Linda is an expert on the Irish family and women’s issues, including women in Higher Education, and has written some brilliant work in these areas. Linda had previously sent me some material on the practice of performing symphysiotomies on women in Irish maternity hospitals from the 1940s to the 1980s, an issue she has also recently been interested in.[i]

https://walkingborders.com/walk-10-walking-with-sociologist-linda-connolly-in-cork/ 

Belfast altar boy abuse case 'appalling' says Clonard priest

THE rector of Clonard Monastery has urged victims of historical abuse to contact police after a man was convicted for sexually abusing an altar boy at a Novena in the 1980s.
Martin Cassidy was placed on probation for three years on Monday for abusing the 14-year old in 1988 at the west Belfast novena.  The court heard Cassidy, of Orchard Mews in Belfast, was volunteering at the church at the request of his brother, who at the time was a priest.

http://www.irishnews.com/news/2017/01/18/news/belfast-altar-boy-abuse-case-appalling-says-clonard-priest-890249/ 

Meeting pope, Irish prelates discuss ministry of bishop, abuse scandal

Telling the bishops of Ireland that he wanted to hear their questions, concerns and even criticisms, Pope Francis spent almost two hours in conversation with them.
In the continuing evolution of the "ad limina" visits bishops are required to make to the Vatican, Pope Francis met Jan. 20 with 26 Irish bishops and set aside a practice that began with Pope Benedict XVI: writing a speech to the group, but handing the text to them instead of reading it.

https://www.ncronline.org/news/vatican/meeting-pope-irish-prelates-discuss-ministry-bishop-abuse-scandal 

Northern victims of child abuse ‘should get €115,000’, says inquiry

Those abused in State-, Church-, and charity-run homes should also be offered an official apology from Government and the organisations that ran the residential facilities where it happened, the Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry found.
Inquiry chair Anthony Hart outlined his recommendations after he revealed shocking levels of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from 1922 to 1995.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/northern-victims-of-child-abuse-should-get-115000-says-inquiry-440130.html 

Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry: 'Widespread abuse' in children's homes

Children's homes run by some churches, charities and state institutions in Northern Ireland were the scene of widespread abuse and mistreatment of young residents, a report has found.
The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA) studied allegations of abuse in 22 homes and other residential institutions between 1922 to 1995.  These were facilities run by the state, local authorities, the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland and the children's charity Barnardo's.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-38685157 

Derry institutional abuse victim embraced by Bishop of Derry during mass

A Derry man who was the victim of institutional abuse has praised the Bishop of Derry after he embraced him during emotional scenes in the city yesterday.
The Bishop, Dr Donal McKeown, delivered a homily during two services over the weekend at Eugene’s Cathedral and Long Tower, where he addressed the final report into the findings of Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA), which was set up in 2013 to look at historical abuse claims at homes throughout Northern Ireland

https://www.derrynow.com/news/derry-institutional-abuse-victim-embraced-bishop-derry-mass/141379 

Convent girl Bonnie Schlef's life of violence, sex abuse, heroin and prison escape

A feature on Bonnie Schlef's remarkable life was first published in print in 2010. Here, Stuff republishes it on the day a coroner sits to consider how this Christchurch battler died following a surgical error.
People judge her. Well you would. The morphine addiction, the stolen cheques, the prison time, the family gang connections. So how did the life of a sweet little convent girl go so off the rails? I am talking to 52-year-old Bonnie Schlef in the foyer of Christchurch District Court. She is there to support her son - a son charged with leaving her horrifically battered, with a cracked neck, in an attack last August. The second such attack, she says.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/67457974/Convent-girl-Bonnie-Schlefs-life-of-violence-sex-abuse-heroin-and-prison-escape 

Abused priest: HIA report delivers long overdue justice for victims

The report from an official inquiry into widespread child sex abuse has delivered “a day of justice long overdue for those who suffered in these institutions run by church and state”, according to a priest who was also a victim.
Fr Patrick McCafferty was speaking after the report was published on Friday from the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry.

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/crime/abused-priest-hia-report-delivers-long-overdue-justice-for-victims-1-7785399 

Abuse inquiry recommendations should be implemented with goodwill, says bishop

A Catholic bishop has said the recommendations of Northern Ireland's child abuse inquiry should be implemented with goodwill.
Noel Treanor hoped the report will help others who have been abused to find the strength and courage to come forward and report it to the authorities.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/abuse-inquiry-recommendations-should-be-implemented-with-goodwill-says-bishop-35388260.html 

Northern Ireland victims recall the impact of child abuse

Margaret McGuckin has been the public face of the campaign for victims of historical institutional child sex abuse.

But, privately there is a reason for her involvement - her brother Kevin. The 62-year-old still lives in care. He has a learning difficulty, which Ms McGuckin believes is directly related to what he suffered as a child.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-38682537?post_id=10204672433356106_10208628145046426#_=_ 

Sex abuse victims had waited ‘lifetime’ for Hart report

“Unspeakable, unspeakable,” was a quote Sir Anthony Hart, chairman of the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry, chose from one of the witnesses who gave evidence to his inquiry.

It was as good a description as any to use to try to characterise the dark nature of his 10-volume, 2,300-page exploration of the abuse suffered by hundreds of children in care homes throughout the North after partition from 1922 to 1995.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/sex-abuse-victims-had-waited-lifetime-for-hart-report-1.2945512 

Snoozing at teachers who abuse children

On Jan. 13, a judge in Houston, Texas, sentenced Alexandria Vera to 10 years in prison. Her crime? The 25-year-old teacher at Stovall Middle School struck up a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old student — having sex almost every day, she said, for nine months — but with the parents’ approval. She could be eligible for parole in five years. 
Prosecutors alleged Vera groomed the child and his family, moving the teen and his father into her home and pretending she was dating the father. She also bought groceries for the boy’s family and paid the phone bills. She even became pregnant by the boy. When child-protection workers closed in, she got an abortion. Unsurprisingly, the boy is now in foster care.

http://www.mantecabulletin.com/section/160/article/141112/ 

Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry: List of homes investigated

The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA) was established to investigate child abuse that occurred in residential institutions in Northern Ireland over a 73-year period from 1922 to 1995.
The following is a complete list of homes and institutions investigated by it:

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-38692627?post_id=10204672433356106_10208627943841396#_=_ 

Inquiry finds widespread child abuse in Northern Ireland homes

Belfast (AFP) - A four-year inquiry into abuses in care homes in Northern Ireland found widespread mistreatment in its final report on Friday and concluded that hundreds of victims were entitled to financial compensation.

The Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry found "evidence of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, neglect and unacceptable practices" from 1922 to 1995 in most of the institutions it investigated.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/inquiry-finds-widespread-child-abuse-northern-ireland-homes-172629542.html 

10 key points from HIA report

1. Tax-free lump sum payment to survivors of abuse, including in homes/institutions that were not covered by the HIA inquiry. The spouses or children of the 12 people who have died since giving evidence should receive 75% of the total lump sum. Sir Anthony said the minimum payout should be £7,500 to anyone who was abused, including those who experienced a harsh environment, or who witnessed such abuse. An additional payment of £20,000 would be made to anyone sent to Australia under a migrant scheme. An extra enhanced payment would be made to anyone who was more severely abused.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/10-key-points-from-hia-report-35384759.html 

Litany of failures allowed abusers to prey on kids, HIA inquiry finds

Probe attacks State, church and charity-run homes over widespread sexual, physical and emotional maltreatment and recommends compensation payouts up to £100k.

Hundreds of victims of historical abuse should each receive compensation of up to £100,000, an inquiry has said.   Crimes against children were widespread at State, church and charity-run homes between 1922 and 1995, with Catholic Church-run facilities the worst offenders, the long-awaited Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry report found.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/litany-of-failures-allowed-abusers-to-prey-on-kids-hia-inquiry-finds-35385026.html 

We have finally been vindicated, says public face of the survivors

Campaigners and victims of historic child abuse in Northern Ireland have welcomed the 'long-overdue' findings of systemic failure outlined in the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry report.

Margaret McGuckin, who has been the public face of the campaign for survivors of historical institutional child sex abuse, said it has taken a lifetime for victims to get justice.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/historical-institutional-abuse-inquiry-we-have-finally-been-vindicated-says-public-face-of-the-survivors-35385118.html 

inquiry recommends children sent to Australia receive compensation

The Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry in Northern Ireland has recommended children who were transported to Australia in the 1940s and '50s be given compensation for the trauma they suffered.

The inquiry found at least 138 children under 14 who were in state and church care in Northern Ireland were wrongly transported to Australia — often without their parents being told the truth about where they were being sent to.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-21/ireland-child-migrants-compensation/8199946 

HIA inquiry evidence heard children treated like 'baby convicts'

Some witnesses to the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry said they were treated like child convicts.

Others claimed they were forced to eat their own vomit, preyed upon by serial sexual predators and one was told he was the product of an "evil and satanic relationship".  The poverty-stricken youngsters were among the most vulnerable in society and their experiences dated from 1922 to 1995.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/hia-inquiry-evidence-heard-children-treated-like-baby-convicts-35383479.html 

Northern Ireland child abuse inquiry to publish report in Belfast

Investigation into decades of abuse in residential homes for children to release findings and recommendations. The final report of the largest completed inquiry into child abuse in the UK will be published on Friday, including an investigation into a Northern Ireland care home where it is alleged a paedophile ring was being blackmailed by the security services.
Retired judge Sir Anthony Hart will deliver his findings in Belfast after 232 days of hearings and interviews with more than 500 witnesses since the historical institutional abuse inquiry was established in 2014.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jan/20/northern-ireland-child-abuse-report-inquiry-published-belfast 

North abuse inquiry: ‘The crying would break your heart’

Just read this... have you not heard or read my story... see the abuse was done to us children ... the same  abuse world-over...  it is like reading my own story... Ann

 ===========================

Some witnesses to the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry said they were treated like child convicts.

Others claimed they were forced to eat their own vomit, preyed upon by serial sexual predators and one was told he was the product of an “evil and satanic relationship”. The poverty-stricken youngsters were among the most vulnerable in society and their experiences dated from 1922 to 1995.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/north-abuse-inquiry-the-crying-would-break-your-heart-1.2944566 

'Unspeakable cruelty and vicious abuse' - historical abuse inquiry releases damning report

 and guess which order of nuns are in up to their nicks... the nazareth house other of nuns... who would make sure that your name and number was called out... each and every night... to be whipped across the bed naked... they are now called sister of nazareth... Ann

============================

A REPORT INTO institutional abuse at children’s homes in Northern Ireland has found that there was ‘widespread abuse’ at such facilities between 1922 and 1995. The Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry had looked into allegations of abuse at 22 such children’s homes across Northern Ireland.

At those four Sisters of Nazareth homes nuns were found to have been physically and emotionally abusive to children in their care, chairman of the inquiry Sir Anthony Hart said at a press conference to launch the report today.The largest number of complaints stemmed from four different Catholic-run institutions. 

http://www.thejournal.ie/northern-ireland-childrens-homes-abuse-3196344-Jan2017/

Church apologises for sexual abuse of children in Northern Ireland

The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland has apologised unreservedly to survivors of sexual abuse following the publication of a report that found evidence of systematic and widespread sexual and physical crimes in Church-run institutions.

The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA), which published its findings today, investigated allegations of abuse in 22 children’s homes in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995.

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/6631/0/church-apologises-for-sexual-abuse-of-children-in-northern-ireland 

Northern Ireland child abuse inquiry singles out police and church

Police were guilty of a “catalogue of failures” over the abuse of boys at a Belfast care home run by a paedophile ring, a comprehensive report into child mistreatment across Northern Ireland has found.
The historical institutional abuse inquiry, established in 2014, found that a Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) investigation into sexual abuse at the Kincora care home in east Belfast was “inept, inadequate and far from thorough”.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jan/20/northern-ireland-inquiry-report-outlines-shocking-child-abuse 

Head of Catholic church in Ireland apologises to child abuse victims

The head of the Catholic church in Ireland said he apologised unreservedly to all those who fell victim to abuse in church-run homes.
Archbishop Eamon Martin said the church had to now demonstrate it was serious about making reparation for the sins of the past.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/head-of-catholic-church-in-ireland-apologises-to-child-abuse-victims-35384886.html 

Priest’s sex crimes ‘ignored to protect Catholic church’

A predatory priest’s sex crimes were ignored to protect the good name of the Catholic church, a public inquiry found. Fr Brendan Smyth attacked children “far and wide” at residential homes in Northern Ireland from the 1940s and was convicted of more than 100 offences.
He was allowed a car to roam the country even after he was eventually charged by police in 1991, and over many years his Norbertine religious order and others within the church failed to take determined and vigorous steps to ensure he did not harm more youngsters, the panel found.

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/crime/priest-s-sex-crimes-ignored-to-protect-catholic-church-1-7783609 

Victims of childhood abuse must not be failed again

Those victims who felt strong enough to face it showed up at the plush Crowne Plaza hotel on the outskirts of Belfast yesterday to hear retired judge Sir Anthony Hart deliver the findings of his inquiry into historic child abuse.

The luxurious ballroom in which he summarised the Historic Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry was a world apart from the bleak, cold, loveless institutions where many of those present had spent their childhoods.  Some couldn't face it and stayed away, recent political events have taken their toll on those who fear having relived their traumatic childhoods, the report that finally vindicates them might be left to gather dust.

http://www.irishnews.com/news/2017/01/21/news/anaysis-victims-of-childhood-abuse-must-not-be-failed-again-895646/ 

Brendan Smyth's sex crimes 'ignored to protect good name of Catholic Church'

A predatory priest's sex crimes were ignored to protect the good name of the Catholic church, a public inquiry has found. Fr Brendan Smyth attacked children "far and wide" at residential homes in Northern Ireland from the 1940s and was convicted of more than 100 offences.
He was allowed a car to roam the country even after he was eventually charged by police in 1991, and over many years his Norbertine religious order and others within the church failed to take determined and vigorous steps to ensure he did not harm more youngsters, the panel found.

http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2017/01/20/news/brendan-smyth-s-sex-crimes-ignored-to-protect-good-name-of-catholic-church--895556/ 

Systemic child abuse happened in N Ireland

Children in Northern Ireland suffered decades of cruel sexual, physical and emotional abuse in institutions run by the state, charities and the Catholic and Protestant churches, it has been revealed.

Instances of sexual abuse by priests and lay people were detailed in a 2,300 page, 12-volume report that identified widespread systemic failings and extended responsibility to the Northern Irish government and church authorities.

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/news/breaking-news/systemic-child-abuse-happened-in-n-ireland/news-story/e0445ff59e2b844042e8f0841fcde3d7 

Victims feel vindicated following abuse inquiry findings, says survivors’ group

A Belfast woman representing survivors of child abuse in care homes in the North says they feel vindicated following the publication of the the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry report which found evidence of systematic failure by institutions and the state.

“We have waited a lifetime. Today we are vindicated. Our day has come,” said Margaret McGuckin.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/victims-feel-vindicated-following-abuse-inquiry-findings-says-survivors-group-1.2945624 

Actress Jane Russell's adoption of Irish baby nearly ended her career

Hollywood star Jane Russell’s adoption of an Irishwoman’s child in the 1950s nearly ended the actress’s career.

Russell had already adopted a girl with her husband, NFL quarterback and kicker Bob Waterfield, but wanted to expand their family, according to the Journal.ie. News of the star’s desire for another child reached Hannah McDermott, a Derrywoman then living in London with her husband and young son. Reportedly Hannah offered her custody of baby Thomas on condition that Jane and Bob provided him with a good home, love and education.

http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/actress-jane-russell-s-adoption-of-irish-baby-nearly-ended-her-career 

In Search of Anastasia.

I was born in Saint Patrick’s Home, Navan Road Dublin 5.11.1954, according to my birth certificate my mother’s name is Anastasia O’Leary and on the certificate it states  that my mother originally came from Cron Nacole, Kiltegan,Wicklow. 

it is my intention to use this blog to find my mother. I have searched ”Irish Births” on Ancestry.com  and  if her name was Anastasia O’Leary, there are  only five possible mothers, all of whom were born in the Wicklow / Wexford area. Four were registered in Enniscorthy and one was in Gorey.

https://123olearyblog.wordpress.com/ 

It came as a big shock to find my mother was being locked in and tortured like I was'

It’s not where you come from… I’m me, it doesn’t change who I am. At the end of the day if anybody has to stand up for these people, somebody has to without shame.
FOR MARY COLLINS and her daughter Laura Stewart, a trip from the UK to Cork this month will be full of difficult memories. Together, they will travel to St Finbarr’s cemetery in Glasheen on the 27th to light candles and remember Angelina Collins, Mary’s mother who died at a Magdalene laundry

http://www.thejournal.ie/children-of-magdalene-laundry-women-3183623-Jan2017/ 

Abuse In The Missionary Boarding School: Richie's Story

Today, I would like to announce a guest post by Dianne Darr Couts, President of MK (Missionary Kid) Safety Net. I met Dianne at the 2016 SNAP conference in Chicago where I was first introduced to the great need for MK advocacy. MKSN does amazing work to protect and support children (adolescent and adult) who were victimized while their parents were on the mission field. The story you are about to read is true and may be triggering to some survivors.

http://www.ashleyeaster.com/blog/abuse-in-the-missionary-boarding-school

Gov. Cuomo calls for law to extend statute of limitations for child abuse

A sex abuse survivor says child victims deserve more time to speak up or file a lawsuit against their abuser. To do that, it would take a new state law and that's what Governor Cuomo is asking for.
During one of his State of the State addresses this week, he publicly supported giving victims a longer time period to accuse their abuser in court or bring a lawsuit against an institution. But some fear this could bankrupt school districts, churches or synagogues.

http://www.whec.com/news/statute-of-limitations-governor-cuomo-child-abuse/4370692/ 

Survivors of abuse 'left' out in cold' by deadlock

A survivor of institutional abuse has expressed her fears that the collapse of Stormont could leave victims without any form of compensation.
Margaret McGuckin, who helped set up the Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse group (SAVIA), was instrumental in securing the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry headed by Sir Anthony Hart.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/survivors-of-abuse-left-out-in-cold-by-deadlock-35363631.html 

240 apartment plan for former Good Shepherd Convent site

RESIDENTS in Sunday’s Well and Blarney Street have welcomed moves to redevelop the vacant Good Shepherd Convent site, but have raised concerns about future traffic increases.
Moneda Developments, a Dundalk-based firm, purchased the 3.14-hectare site in Sunday’s Well late last year.  They plan to build up to 240 high-end apartments on the former convent site, which has been idle for some 20 years.

http://www.eveningecho.ie/cork-news/240-apartment-plan-former-good-shepherd-convent-site/2607561/ 

Breakdown: The 10 most valuable properties the Catholic Church handed over after Ryan Report

RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS STILL owe almost €15 million towards a fund set up to help people who experienced abuse in Irish institutions.
Caranua is an independent state body which was set up in 2012 to administer the €110 million special investment account opened by the National Treasury Management Agency to help survivors.

http://www.thejournal.ie/catholic-church-properties-cash-redress-scheme-3094040-Dec2016/?utm_source=shortlink

Irish baby name among top ones to watch in 2017

The Irish girl’s name Caoimhe has been listed among a hot seven baby names which are blowing up online and set to be big in 2017, according to an “expert source for baby names” the Baby Name Wizard.

According to the Wizards the seven names they selected – Caoimhe, Elia, Prescott, Brontë, Winston, Aviana/Avianna and Wolf – are where baby names are headed in 2017. The site states that while “none of them currently rank among the top 500 names boys or girls. But based on search traffic, forum chatter and trend arrows, they're good bets to be part of the next baby name wave.”

http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/irish-baby-name-among-top-ones-to-watch-in-2017 

Paying tribute to Mary Raftery - Irish journalist who exposed child abuse in Ireland

Today marks five years since Irish journalist, filmmaker, and writer Mary Raftery died of ovarian cancer, aged 54. Nominated in 2011 for "NNI National Journalist of the Year" for her work in exposing the clerical abuse of children in Ireland, Raftery was regarded as one of the country's finest investigative journalists exposing not only clerical abuse but abuse in the Irish childcare system and the appalling conditions within the country's psychiatric units. 

Raftery famously made the 1999 documentary “States of Fear” and the “Cardinal Secrets” in 2002 and her work was widely viewed as having led to the establishment of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse. The Commission reported its findings in May of 2009.

http://www.irishcentral.com/news/community/archbishop-martin-pays-tribute-to-irish-journalist-who-exposed-child-abuse-in-ireland-videos-137198173-237746131 

Sold to the highest bidder' - how Ireland's institutions allowed Americans to adopt Irish children in the 1950s

For me this is very close to my heart... it hurts so much each time I see or hear about the stolen babies of the catholic church home and orphanages worldwide... no one thinks about the babies who lost their mothers... their blood family... I have always and will keep telling about the stolen babies... the pain of a child stolen from her mother... is the worst pain of all... you watch the other girls around you each Sunday... when they come back from their day with their mothers... and you feel more than your pain... you feel and see the helplessness of the other girls... as their things are ripped from their hands that their mothers gave them... torn from them by the nuns,,, which the children never saw again... the nuns sold them in their shops...
you know that no one wants you... because the nuns have your life mapped out for you... to be their unpaid slave... never to know love or have some one to go to for help... you are no bodies child... you see and hear by the nuns actions... that they hate you... all because of your birth... and that you are the devils daughter... which the nuns make sure that you know each and every day about... their hatred is beaten into you... and you can do or say nothing... my mother was raped... and i had suffered every day and night because or it... it was NO FAULT of her or mine... but the nuns never once forgot to scream into my face... that they had to punished me to get the sins of my mother out of me... as well as my own sins... feel the pain of the stolen babies... taken from their mother's arms... I am one of them... and I have never got over it...  Ann

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THE DUBIOUS NATURE of the process surrounding the adoption of Irish children by American citizens in the 1950s has come to light with the publication of foreign policy papers dating from that decade.
The documents, which range from summaries of meetings to communiqués between civil servants to briefing notes for ministers, show a bureaucratic system that was entirely hands off and saw the adoption of Irish children born outside of marriage by foreign citizens as a fundamental ‘good’.

http://www.thejournal.ie/us-adoptions-ireland-1950s-royal-irish-academy-3150953-Jan2017/

Much more than an act of vandalism' - Art designed to remember Mother and Baby centres goes up in flames

An art installation which was designed to remember Ireland's Mother and Baby Centres went up in flames in Dublin's Temple Bar this afternoon.The fire was located on the corner of Essex and Exchange Street near the Smock Alley Theatre.

A nearby premises, that wishes not to named, confirmed that the exhibition was alight until around 5:30pm, at which time it was extinguinshed.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/much-more-than-an-act-of-vandalism-art-designed-to-remember-mother-and-baby-centres-goes-up-in-flames-35350462.html 

'It was targeted': 'Somebody's Child' exhibition in Temple Bar in flames

It is like being murder a 2nd time...   Ann

===============================

AN ART INSTALLATION remembering the children who died in Ireland’s Mother and Baby centres has gone up in flames in Temple Bar this evening.
Pictures have circulated showing the artwork, which was unveiled by councillor Mannix Flynn in November last year, on fire.

http://www.thejournal.ie/art-temple-bar-fire-somebodys-child-3176434-Jan2017/?utm_source=facebook_short

Signs of Sexual Abuse in a Toddler

Millions of children are sexually abused each year in the United States. In fact, 10 percent of adult men and 25 percent of adult females recall being sexually abused during their childhood, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Most sexual abuse victims are between the ages of 8 and 12, but younger children, including toddlers, are also victimized. Young children often do not report sexual abuse to a parent because they are ashamed or have been threatened not to tell. You may notice some changes in your child, however.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/210015-signs-of-sexual-abuse-in-a-toddler/ 

'No Child Should Grow Up Like This'

A landmark study has found almost every child raised in out of home care has suffered some kind of maltreatment. 500,000 children were raised by governments and churches - many stolen from their families. The report recommends sweeping changes to help children in care today. Bryan Seymour reports.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/video/watch/33496317/no-child-should-grow-up-like-this/#page1 

Abuse Inquiry reports to McGuinness and Foster

The chairman of the Historical Abuse Inquiry Sir Anthony Hart has thanked those who came forward to give evidence.
He was speaking as the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry submitted its findings to Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness on Friday, ahead of the report being made public on Friday, January 20.

http://www.derryjournal.com/news/opinion/abuse-inquiry-reports-to-mcguinness-and-foster-1-7761948

Historical child sex abuse inquiry team passes final report to Stormont

An inquiry team that investigated historical child abuse at Northern Ireland residential homes has passed its final report to Stormont's leaders.
The Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry heard harrowing testimony from hundreds of former residents who made claims of sexual, physical and emotional suffering over many decades in church, state and charity-run homes.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/historical-child-sex-abuse-inquiry-team-passes-final-report-to-stormont-35347461.html 

Mother and baby homes inquiry has cost €3.73m to date

The commission of investigation into the Mother and Baby homes has cost €3.73 million to date. The commission, which was established in February 2015, is tasked with investigating allegations of abuse at 14 institutions and four county homes between 1922 and 1998.

Figures released to The Irish Times show the costs of the inquiry, which is chaired by Judge Yvonne Murphy, were €1,485,676 in 2015 and will reach a further €2 million this year.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/mother-and-baby-homes-inquiry-has-cost-3-73m-to-date-1.2920523 

Upgrade on way as Nazareth House building appeal reaches $1.6m

As the $21 million upgrade of Nazareth House continues, organisers of the ambitious public appeal to raise $10 million have thanked the Ballarat community for its generosity. More than $1.6 million has been raised so far, as stage one of the upgrade nears completion this September.
Established in 1888, the Mill Street aged-care facility will have 85 new beds with en suites, as well as new administration facilities, a chapel and cafe. Work on the project began last August and is expected to be completed by Christmas 2014.

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1363000/upgrade-on-way-as-nazareth-house-building-appeal-reaches-16m/?fb_action_ids=4663869920976&fb_action_types=og.likes 

Slave Labour: Magdalene Laundries disgraced Irish Catholic women

Believe me this abuse of children it true... the abuse of innocent children happened worldwide... also in New Zealand... I am a victims / survivor of 25years of abuse in two catholic church orphanages... and slave labour... we were innocent of their lies... of their punishment from their hands and voice... they were evil cruel nuns... the state are to blame as well... because they knew what was happening to us... state and the catholic church need to be made accountable... for the hell we were put through... Ann 

 ========================================

For almost 150 years thousands of women in Ireland were sent to live in Catholic institutions, punished for crimes like having a child out of wedlock or petty theft, and forced to work in laundries run by the Church. But this dark past is not Ireland's alone. In a 16x9 exclusive, we discover Canadian laundries and speak to a woman who says she was born into slave labour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD9uffgeg7w 

Breakdown: The 10 most valuable properties the Catholic Church handed over after Ryan Report

RELIGIOUS CONGREGATIONS STILL owe almost €15 million towards a fund set up to help people who experienced abuse in Irish institutions.
Caranua is an independent state body which was set up in 2012 to administer the €110 million special investment account opened by the National Treasury Management Agency to help survivors.

http://www.thejournal.ie/catholic-church-properties-cash-redress-scheme-3094040-Dec2016/?utm_source=shortlink

Clann Short Film: Rod Baker, Hogan Lovells

The purpose of Clann is to help establish the truth of what happened to unmarried mothers and their children in 20th century Ireland. 

Clann: Ireland’s Unmarried Mothers and their Children: Gathering the Data (‘Clann’) is a joint initiative by Adoption Rights Alliance (ARA) and JFM Research (JFMR). The project is being delivered in association with global law firm, Hogan Lovells.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWj25ZjGj6w

Welcome to Justice for Magdalenes

"It is not easy to stand outside the mainstream and to continue to press for the truth, but we know this is the way in which human rights defenders undertake their work in every country around the world."
 Dr. Maurice Manning, President, Irish Human Rights Commission (9 Nov. 2010)
Justice for Magdalenes (JFM) was established in 2003. The group had two main objectives, which were: i) to bring about an official apology from the Irish State, and ii) the establishment of a compensation scheme for all Magdalene survivors. JFM exited the political arena in May 2013 having achieved its aims (see our ‘Exit Statement’ here). At this point Justice for Magdalenes Research (JFMR) was established. The main aim of JFMR is to provide for the advancement of education of the general public by researching the Magdalene Laundries and similar institutions and by providing information and support to the women who spent time in the Magdalene Laundries and their families. 
JFMR is in the process of designing a new website, which will be online shortly, and in the meantime this website contains much of the previous JFM material, but also - where noted - JFM Research material. 

http://www.magdalenelaundries.com/