Gardai receive 500 contacts over historical abuse at schools run by religious orders

Gardaí say they have now received more than 500 contacts since their appeal, earlier this month, relating to historical sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders.

A scoping inquiry into allegations of abuse at schools run by religious orders, which was published on September 4, found that there were almost 2,400 allegations across the country of sexual abuse relating to more than 300 schools recorded by the religious orders that ran those schools.

The allegations, featured in the report, were made in respect of 884 alleged abusers.

Following the publication of the report, An Garda Siochana appealed to anyone who wished to report a crime relating to Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders to come forward.

In a statement issued this Thursday night they say of the more than 500 contacts that have now been received, the majority relate to older males "who are sharing their experiences with An Garda Síochána for the first time".

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An Garda Síochána says the process of making direct contact with each individual person who has contacted them is ongoing.   "This is a very sensitive process.  Each person will be given the time and space to discuss their personal experience and An Garda Síochána will continue to support each person through the process at the pace and to the extent that they wish to engage with us," said a spokesperson. 

Gardai say the reports have been made predominately and directly to the Sexual Crime Management Unit at Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) by email and telephone but also by the CSAR (Child Sexual Abuse Reporting) phone line and in person at individual garda stations.

Gardai say individual investigations will be carried out by dedicated trained gardaí attached to Divisional Protective Service Units in each garda division. 

"Any resources required will be made available to support each individual who has or may come forward to report a crime to An Garda Síochána," added the spokesperson.

For reporting to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available:

1.       By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie
2.       By phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7
3.       Calling to your local Garda Station