Chapter 14 — Children’s Homes

Knowledge of abuse

Five (5) witnesses reported it was their belief that following their disclosure the offender was reprimanded or removed. A number of witnesses commented that while they were not aware of any action being taken at the time of their disclosures they later realised that their abusers were no longer working in the Homes. A male witness who reported that his abuse continued for some time after his disclosure stated: I went to a person after a few months after it...(abuse)... continued and it...(disclosure)... wasn’t listened to ... The person I went to was in a very strong position of power in ...named Children’s Home ...he said “no I don’t believe you and anyway keep quiet” .... From that moment on I kept it to myself ... the abuse continued after that for a while and then the Health Board came in ... they spoke to the management. No-one spoke to me, he... (named lay care worker)... was fired ... After he left things improved for me. I always thought in my head someone would come and ask questions but it never happened...

Three (3) witnesses reported that their parents confronted the Resident Managers with the accusations of abuse following disclosures by them. Two (2) of these witnesses gave accounts of being beaten by staff following their disclosures and in the third instance the abuse ceased and the witness was protected from further abuse.

In one instance a male witness reported that a female lay ancillary worker who had physically abused him was herself stripped and beaten in front of all the residents by a staff member in authority. This ancillary worker was believed to be a former resident of the Home.

Witnesses in a number of Children’s Homes in the period prior to the 1970s reported that where abuse was a feature of everyday life they accepted physical punishment as normal. Other witnesses from a small number of Homes and throughout all decades reported experiencing and witnessing severe, unpredictable and unprovoked violence, which they described as both traumatic at the time and as having had an enduring impact on their lives. Witnesses reported a range of responses to such abuse and often reported more than one response: Fifty two (52) witnesses, 27 male and 25 female, reported that they did not know what to do, felt defenceless and withdrew into themselves. Thirty six (36) witnesses, 20 male and 16 female, reported that their predominant response to abuse was fear for their own safety and the safety of co-residents. Nineteen (19) witnesses, 12 male and seven female, reported that they began bed-wetting in response to constant abuse. Eight (8) witnesses, six male and two female, reported running away from the Homes to avoid abuse. Three (3) witnesses, one male and two female, reported that they attempted to harm themselves.

A witness who reported persistent sexual abuse over a number of years stated that his abusive experience led to bed-wetting, and his attempts to discuss his abuse with staff were ignored: ‘We all started wetting the bed, no staff ever asked ‘why are you wetting the bed, what’s wrong with you?’

Positive experiences

Forty nine (49) witnesses, 29 male and 20 female, reported having had positive experiences and some good memories of their time in Children’s Homes. Fifteen (15) witnesses described the kindness of particular religious staff, the absence of punishment, and protection from beatings as positive experiences. Staff were also reported to have demonstrated kindness by providing extra food. Seven (7) witnesses commented on the kindness of two named female religious staff from one Children’s Home. ‘She ... (Sr X)... was elderly and always told me to smile when I was down, I still do it and it works.’

Twelve (12) witnesses reported that various lay staff were kind and attempted to care and provide for their needs by protecting them from abuse and other harm.

For some witnesses the sense of security and attention they experienced while in the infirmaries or in hospital was a positive experience. Three (3) witnesses commented on the kindness of the nun in charge of one infirmary: ‘I enjoyed going to the infirmary and the attention I got there’.

Twelve (12) witnesses described any contact with family members, including visits or holidays at home and visits from parents, siblings and grandparents as their abiding good memory of their time in the Homes. Nine (9) other witnesses reported that ongoing family contact both protected them from abuse and enabled them to reintegrate more readily with their families when they were discharged.

Nine (9) witnesses described the positive value of the education they received, including their success in State examinations. Others described good memories of attending school outside the institutions, supportive teachers, friendship with pupils from the local community, and interaction with people from the local towns.

Six (6) witnesses reported that their involvement with Gaelic games or Irish dancing was beneficial and enjoyable. Others valued the opportunity of learning to play musical instruments.

Five (5) witnesses appreciated the value of visiting ‘holiday’ families or ‘godparents’ and working for local families. They stated that contact with families outside the Homes enabled them to experience family life and commented that relationships established through those placements had sustained them as children and in adult life. Others commented on the help they received while in their work placements from both lay and religious staff. A female witness reported she benefited from support she received from a religious Sister: ‘... there was one nun there who let me type in the evenings ... she was very helpful ... she was so, so nice, she was kind’.

Seven (7) male witnesses who reported sexual abuse in Children’s Homes commented that they appreciated the overall care and education provided to them. Other witnesses, both male and female, commented that they benefited from opportunities to return to the Homes when they were discharged, for aftercare group support. A female witness stated: ‘You would go back to where you were brought up. They had a monthly meeting to see how you were getting on and things ... ‘

Current circumstances

Sixty one (61) witnesses gave accounts to the Committee of their current life circumstances and the effects of their childhood abuse experiences on their subsequent lives and relationships. Witnesses provided information about their social circumstances, family relationships, occupation, health, and the ongoing impact of their childhood abuse.

The Committee heard consistent reports from witnesses of their difficulties establishing and maintaining secure, stable relationships in adult life. Many witnesses reported an inability to trust and relate in intimate relationships. They believed these difficulties to be a consequence of childhood abuse, including the deprivation of secure emotional attachments and nurturing relationships. Others described difficulties and differences with their partners in communication, conflict resolution and parenting styles.