Friday, January 20, 2017

'Shocking' child abuse in Northern Ireland institutions outlined in inquiry

Sir Anthony Hart is presiding over the inquiryShocking instances of historic child abuse in institutions in Northern Ireland have been outlined in the findings of the region's four-year inquiry into mistreatment of residents. 

Probe chairman Sir Anthony Hart has begun announcing the conclusions of the wide-ranging report in Belfast - a statement that is due to last in excess of two hours.

The retired judge is dealing with the 22 church, state and charity-run homes in sequence.

At the start of his statement, he said 189 former residents came forward from four homes run by nuns in the Sisters of Nazareth Order to make allegations of maltreatment.
He said some nuns engaged in "physical and emotional abuse" of children, with the "denigration and humiliation" of residents widespread.

Turning to a home run by the Catholic De La Salle order, Sir Anthony said children were subject to "excessive physical punishment" and fell victim to "physical assaults".

Victims of historical child abuse should receive individual state-funded compensation payments ranging between £7,500 and £100,000, the inquiry has recommended.