As the many supporters of Let Our Voices Emerge already know, we are a support group for child carers (teachers, nurses, social workers, and parents etc, who are undergoing allegations of child abuse they claim they’re innocent of.
We originated from the Industrial Schools, and formed to support our carers (mainly the Religious), who we felt were being unfairly targeted as child abusers by many of our fellow inmates. We knew that for many reasons - financial, emotional, celebrity, victim hood, status, etc, most of those making allegations of abuse in the Homes were jumping on the back of some of those who were genuinely abused.
While we wish to acknowledge the pain of those who suffered, we felt our carers could no longer go unsupported. We are now a registered charity, and exist simply to support. We belong to neither the religious nor any political party, but keep the channels of communication open with all of the religious congregations and political representatives.
Child abuse is a heinous crime, which must not be tolerated, but false and fraudulent allegations lead to irreparably damaged reputations and destroyed lives, this must also not be tolerated.
Solicitors Advertising for Redress Board Claimants.
While, obviously anyone genuinely abused is deserved of Redress under the RIRB, the wide definition of abuse, low level of proof required, and easy availability of collusion, ensures almost all claims (two out of two thousand and forty turned down so far.) are being met - which brands everyone accused as an abuser. The more accused, the more branded.
While the Dept. Education are advertising at home and abroad in a factual and professional manner, some solicitors are being extremely unprofessional in their behaviour, stating amounts of money available, close involvement with victim support groups, and displaying little or no regard for the fact they’re encouraging people to make allegations of child abuse…not simply army deafness or insurance claims. L.O.V.E has successfully contacted the Law Society who is investigating the situation.
Kathy’s Story
The book, Kathy’s Story details the alleged horror suffered by the author Kathy O’Beirne at the hands of the Religious in Magdalene laundries and various other institutions. Despite the fact she has produced no evidence whatsoever to back up what are extremely serious allegations, she has gained a very worrying level of credibility from some sources of a normally more questioning media. We contacted more objective media sources who were able to establish no proof either. Kathy's reaction to being questioned was to announce a hunger strike and protest march by former Magdalene’s outside the High Park convent. Thankfully most of the media ignored it but unbelievably TV3 news and a journalist I’d normally have regarded as quite objective in the Star covered it. All I can say about the hunger strike is –‘nice dog Kathy, but to go on hunger strike requires you to actually not eat .’ The Sisters must take stronger action on this, whether this woman is traumatised or not is of little interest to us as long as it wasn’t from institutional care, but what does concern us greatly is how she’s allowed to get away with so much. It may serve their philosophy of being compassionate, but while trying to help this woman, they’re allowing the reputation of the Religious to be attacked with no defence. This will not be tolerated. As I write this I do believe some action will be forth coming in the near future.
Prison Visiting
At the best of times prison can be a bleak place. Although most of our prison governors are thankfully quite humanitarian, and the majority of prison officers do their best, the prisoner is still away from their family and friends, is locked up with little or no personal autonomy, and their contact with the outside world severely restricted.’ So what, don’t they deserve it?’ is the reaction of most people, and yes, depending on the level and type of crime it’s usually justified. But supposing you’re innocent of the crime you’re accused of ? Supposing the allegation is from so many years ago you have no way of proving you’re innocent, Supposing you know you’re going to spend up to ten years locked up for a crime you know you didn’t commit … and all because you worked with children. God…I find prison visiting hard!
Sligo School teachers
Four teachers from the one school convicted so far - and a fifth heading for the Supreme Court, their guilt taken for granted by the vast majority, ALL OF THEM! If I were a teacher - now would be a good time to get another job.Where in the Stay Safe programme is protection for the teacher against allegations of abuse?.All it takes is one annoyed pupil or parent.
For further information on this update contact by email or visit their w website. If you’re in need of support or would like to support LOVE; they would love to hear from you.