The Urgent Need for Addressing Abuse in Schools
Senator Mary Seery Kearney, a Fine Gael General Election candidate for Dublin South Central, has raised her voice in response to the distressing revelations uncovered in the recent scoping report on child sexual abuse within religious-run institutions. The report not only shed light on the harrowing experiences of sexual abuse but also unveiled a deeply troubling issue—the physical and psychological abuse inflicted upon children in schools across the country.
In her impassioned statement, Senator Seery Kearney emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The scoping report on child sexual abuse in religious-run schools has opened the floodgates on an equally disturbing issue—the physical and psychological abuse of children in our schools.” She went on to recount her discussions with numerous survivors, particularly men from Ballyfermot, who recounted the daily beatings and psychological torment they endured during their time in school.
Unveiling the Deep Scars of Abuse
The scars left by such abuse are not merely physical but also psychological, permeating the lives of survivors long after their school days have ended. Senator Seery Kearney stressed the importance of acknowledging not only the sexual abuse suffered by many but also the stories of physical and emotional torment that countless children endured. These cruelties, she noted, continue to haunt the survivors, impacting their ability to form relationships, their mental well-being, and their future prospects.
The Senator highlighted how guidelines were blatantly disregarded, allowing children to be subjected to daily beatings and humiliation that went beyond mere punishment. It was, she asserted, a systematic stripping away of the victims’ dignity and humanity. Those most vulnerable to such maltreatment were often children from families already grappling with challenges, left in the care of an education system that failed to protect them.
A Call for a Citizens’ Assembly
Senator Seery Kearney proposed the establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly as a compassionate and effective means to address the pervasive issue of abuse in schools. Such a platform, she argued, would provide survivors with an opportunity to share their stories, vent their deep-seated hurt and anger, and seek validation for the suffering they endured. Moreover, a Citizens’ Assembly could serve as a guiding force in formulating a national response centered on meaningful restoration and support for survivors.
The Senator emphasized that the wounds inflicted upon these innocent children are not isolated incidents but rather a national affliction that demands acknowledgment and redress. She stressed the necessity of a State apology, alongside a broader societal reckoning that encompasses not only sexual abuse but also physical and psychological mistreatment in any reparative measures.
In conclusion, Senator Seery Kearney underscored the urgent need for action, asserting that our society cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of these vulnerable individuals. By confronting the dark chapters of our past and offering genuine support to survivors, we can begin the process of healing and reconciliation that is long overdue.
