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Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry: 'Widespread abuse' in children's homes | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Children's homes run by church and charities in Northern Ireland were the scene of widespread abuse and mistreatment of young residents, a report has found. | |
The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIA) studied allegations of abuse in 22 homes and other residential institutions between 1922 to 1995. | |
The largest number of complaints related to four Catholic-run homes. | |
There was also sexual abuse carried out by priests and lay people. | |
The chair of the report, Sir Anthony Hart, said the largest number of complaints received related to four Sisters of Nazareth homes. It found nuns physically and emotionally abused children in their care. | |
He said it was not uncommon for children at the homes to have Jeyes Fluid, a brand of disinfectant, put in their baths. | He said it was not uncommon for children at the homes to have Jeyes Fluid, a brand of disinfectant, put in their baths. |
Many of these incidents relating to sexual abuse were known by members of the clergy who did nothing to stop them. | Many of these incidents relating to sexual abuse were known by members of the clergy who did nothing to stop them. |
The HIA heard evidence from hundreds of people who spent their childhood in residential homes and institutions. | The HIA heard evidence from hundreds of people who spent their childhood in residential homes and institutions. |
Hearings were held into facilities run by the state, local authorities, the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, and Barnardo's. | |
A total of 493 applicants engaged with the inquiry, in one form or another, and while the majority were seen in Belfast, others were seen in Londonderry, the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Australia. | A total of 493 applicants engaged with the inquiry, in one form or another, and while the majority were seen in Belfast, others were seen in Londonderry, the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Australia. |
'Civil disorder' | |
Outlining the social and economic background to institutional care in Northern Ireland, Sir Anthony said for "many years the financial circumstances and living conditions were very poor". | Outlining the social and economic background to institutional care in Northern Ireland, Sir Anthony said for "many years the financial circumstances and living conditions were very poor". |
"The extreme violence and civil disorder in the 1970s and 1980s did not leave those responsible for child care," he said. | "The extreme violence and civil disorder in the 1970s and 1980s did not leave those responsible for child care," he said. |
"These factors are largely forgotten today although there were many failures. Those failings must be examined against the backdrop of the political, social and economic circumstances at the time." | "These factors are largely forgotten today although there were many failures. Those failings must be examined against the backdrop of the political, social and economic circumstances at the time." |
Sir Anthony is also expected to deal with a number of issues including apologies, a memorial, redress and compensation. | Sir Anthony is also expected to deal with a number of issues including apologies, a memorial, redress and compensation. |
Some of those who gave evidence to the inquiry have travelled to Belfast from different parts of Northern Ireland to hear his conclusions. | Some of those who gave evidence to the inquiry have travelled to Belfast from different parts of Northern Ireland to hear his conclusions. |