BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse

Subject: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: michaelr
Date: 27 Jan 06 - 12:23 AM

The problem of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy was finally dragged into the open in Ireland, I gather. Public inquiry etc.

I'm curious what is happening in the wake of that, especially since a dear friend of mine was a victim of such abuse as an altar boy. Are criminal charges being brought? Is there a group that victims can take their case to, as in a class action suit?

And most importantly, can anyone supply info about support groups for abuse victims in Ireland? My friend suffers from depression and needs help.

Thanks,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 27 Jan 06 - 08:39 AM

Michael there is a group based in Dublin which are excellent here is their number Phone: + 353 1 8728482
Fax: + 353 1 8728488
Freephone (Ireland): 1800 252524
Freephone (UK): 0800 039 0301.
Go see a lawyer as soon as possible and get the case on record.
Best wishes to your friend.

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Jan 06 - 09:07 AM

From this side of the Big Pond -- please take Divis' advice.

And don't stop working for justice!

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Pied Piper
Date: 27 Jan 06 - 11:22 AM

Nice one Rapaire.

PP

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: michaelr
Date: 27 Jan 06 - 07:02 PM

Divis -- thanks for that info. What is the name of the group?

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 27 Jan 06 - 07:07 PM

Sorry didn't get the name. Rang a friend to get details and number for you and he said this group is excellent.
Best wishes with it.

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 27 Jan 06 - 09:11 PM

There are many support groups active in Ireland, each with its own agenda and alas the agendas are sometimes in conflict. The sums of maney bandied around by way of compensation have been vast enough to reduce legitimate and much-needed support work to a sordid cash-driven industry.

Try this article from the Irish Sunday Times for a comprehensive overview of some of the main organisations active in the field, and the unseemly squabbling that goes on between them. The report shows the huge scale of the damage done to thousands upon thousands of people and families by the Catholic church - making it all the more regrettable that the support agencies have been unable to speak with one voice.

The focus is mainly on institutional abuse (by, for instance, the Sisters of Mercy, and in notorious "schools" run by the Christian Brothers), but some of the agencies mentioned also help pick up the pieces after cases of abuse by diocesan priests.

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Jan 06 - 10:18 PM

I was taught by the Christian Brothers. They were tough, but fair and competent. Mind you, this was not the Irish Christian Brothers, but the FSC's of the US.

(We did get a laugh out of it when we read in the Rules governing the schools taught by the order that we weren't permitted swords, rapiers, dirks, stilletos, and so on. When the Order was founded back in the 17th Century the rule was probably needed -- but in West-Central Illinois we didn't even know what some of the things mentioned were.)

Criminal acts are criminal acts, whether done by a priest, a nun, a brother, a parent, or anyone. Criminal acts should be punished as such and the victim, as far as possible, fairly compensated.

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Peace
Date: 27 Jan 06 - 10:35 PM

National Office for Victims of Abuse (NOVA) 19 Upr Ormond Quay, Dublin Ireland.
Provide assistance, support and advice regarding tracing of personal records, while also making referrals to persons wishing to avail of reading and writing services, health services, counseling, education and other appropriate social services via the confidential free phone line or through the drop in centre.
Phone: + 353 1 8728482
Fax: + 353 1 8728488
Freephone (Ireland): 1800 252524
Freephone (UK): 0800 039 0301

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Divis Sweeney
Date: 28 Jan 06 - 05:51 AM

Thanks Peace that's it.

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 06 - 05:53 AM

Most welcome, Divis.

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: michaelr
Date: 28 Jan 06 - 03:16 PM

Thank you all.

Subject: RE: BS: Query for Irish: Priest abuse
From: Joe Offer
Date: 28 Jan 06 - 07:30 PM

This BBC Report gives an indication that the Catholic Church was at least starting to work on the problem in Ireland in April, 2002. As far as I can tell, April 2002 was the first time that leading Irish bishops had acknowledged that the problem was widespread in Ireland.

But that was four years ago. People are working to resolve the problem. Every Catholic diocese in the U.S. has people employed to handle abuse reports. In Dublin, abuse can be reported to the Child Protection Service of the Diocese of Dublin. Of course, criminal matters should be reported directly to police agencies.

-Joe Offer-