Victims of historical child abuse in faith settings are urged to share their stories for a new research study in Northern Ireland
Armagh: The First Minister and deputy First Minister are reaching out to victims and survivors of historical child abuse in faith settings. They want to encourage folks to share their stories for a new research study.
This project, commissioned by The Executive Office, aims to gather experiences from victims across various faith settings. It’s all about understanding what these individuals have gone through and what they think should happen next.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill emphasized how devastating clerical child abuse has been for many people. She believes it’s crucial for those affected to have a chance to tell their stories and be heard. This study is designed to provide a safe space for that.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also highlighted the importance of understanding the impact of child abuse in faith settings. She encouraged people to come forward and share their experiences, as this research will help address the needs of those affected.
This study is part of a broader effort to look into historical child abuse in faith settings in Northern Ireland. It’s one of three research projects overseen by the Interdepartmental Working Group, which aims to develop recommendations based on the findings.
Professor Tim Chapman is leading the study and is inviting anyone interested to participate. He reassured potential participants that their stories will be treated with care and confidentiality, with support available if needed.
Lisa Caldwell, chair of the Interdepartmental Working Group, noted that this research is a significant step forward. Once all three studies are complete, they will provide recommendations to Ministers, with lived experiences being a key focus.
If you’re interested in taking part in this oral history study, you can reach out to Tim Chapman at timchapman@rjteam.net or give him a call at 07351940491 before the end of February 2025.
