LAST UPDATE | 7 Sep 2024

GARDAÍ HAVE RECEIVED more than 160 contacts since making an appeal on Wednesday for people who wished to report historical sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders, a spokesperson has confirmed. 

Gardaí are now in the process of making direct contact with each individual who has made contact in relation to the scoping inquiry. 

Speaking today, Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan stated: “An Garda Síochána is here to support any person who wishes to report any crime of Sexual Abuse not just in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders but also in any other institution or organisation.

“These crimes are insidious and have a lifelong effect on those who are subject of this abuse.”

He added that any person who contacts the gardaí in relation to the inquiry “can be assured that their interaction will be treated in complete confidence”. 

“To any person who has not spoken about being the victim of sexual abuse, I would say the evidence in the Scoping Inquiry and the, so far, over 160 contacts made to An Garda Síochána show that you are not alone, you did nothing wrong and that if you want to speak your voice will be heard.”

For the purpose of reporting to An Garda Síochána, the following options are available:

1. By emailing GNPSB_SCMU@garda.ie
2. By phoning the Garda Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Line on 1800 555 222. This is a confidential and free service available 24/7
3. Calling to your local Garda Station

Anyone contacting An Garda Síochána will receive personal contact as soon as possible.

The scoping inquiry report into sexual abuse in schools run by religious orders has identified 308 schools where the alleged abuse took place.

Related Reads

'They train you to be quiet': Survivors on why they didn't disclose school sexual abuse

'Pay up': New figures show religious orders only paid 16% of institutional redress costs

Gardaí urge anyone abused in a school run by religious orders to contact them

In total, the inquiry found 844 alleged abusers in schools run by 42 religious orders, amounting to nearly 2,400 allegations of sexual abuse.

The report, released on Tuesday, contains a list of the schools and the number of allegations and alleged abusers at each one, and can be viewed here.

This is a breaking story with more to follow.

Support is available
One in Four provides support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse; you can call 01 662 4070 or email info@oneinfour.ie
An extensive list of support services, for people in Ireland and abroad, can be read here.
You can reach the 24 hour National Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800 77 8888 - it’s free, confidential, and non-judgmental.