Massive Abuse in Ireland’s Religious Institutions

Recently, the horrific story of decades of pedophilia and child abuse committed by Irish Catholic priests and nuns in Catholic institutions has been given credence by the evidence uncovered by an investigatory commission of the Irish Government.  Rape, sexual abuse, beatings, starvation, physical and emotional abuse, all are detailed in the 2,600 page report [http://www.childabusecommission.com/rpt/] prepared by an investigatory commission set up by the Irish Government and chaired by a judge of the country's High Court.

This is a situation where everyone concerned knew for decades, but no one cared enough to do anything about it, including the Church and the government inspectors charged with protecting these children.

"Tens of thousands of Irish children were sexually, physically and emotionally abused by nuns, priests and others over 60 years in a network of church-run residential schools meant to care for the poor, the vulnerable and the unwanted, according to a report released in Dublin.

In the report, a systemic pattern of child abuse was revealed. From a documented period beginning in 1936 children placed in the care of the Congregation of Christian Brothers and other religious orders were subject to some of the worst possible abuses. Priests, nuns and brothers participated in thousands of rapes of boys and girls; allowed stronger boys and custodial to staff sexually abuse weaker or younger boys; sadistically punish children for the slightest offense, as well as engaging in the ritualized beating of girls.

Ireland's Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse concludes that the Roman Catholic Church and government inspectors knew sexual abuse was "endemic" in boys' institutions.