People affected by child sexual abuse in schools run by the Spiritan Order (previously the Holy Ghost order) are being invited to take part in an oral history project launched this morning.
'Hear Me Now' forms a central pillar of the wider restorative programme developed for victims/survivors of abuse connected to Spiritan schools nationwide.
The initiative, which has been announced by the advocacy and support group Restore Together, aims to provide "a safe and respectful opportunity" for people to share their experiences.
It will be led by Professor Marie Keenan, Emeritus Professor of Criminal and Restorative Justice at UCD's School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice.
Victims/survivors, as well as family members, former pupils, staff, and others affected have been invited to participate in the project.
Prof Keenan will lead an independent project team with experience working with survivors of trauma and child sexual abuse.
The project is designed as a victim-centred and trauma-informed process with restorative principles such as dignity, respect, voluntary participation and co-design with victims/survivors.
Through confidential interviews, written submissions, or recorded narratives, participants will be able to share their experiences and perspectives.
The stories will be preserved and published - anonymously or identified, depending on each participant’s preference - as part of a collective archive that aims to create a clearer picture of the experiences of those abused and the wider context in which the abuse occurred.
Hear Me Now aims to contribute to "a fuller public understanding" of the abuse that occurred and its long-term impact.
The project represents "an important opportunity" for those affected to be heard, according to Professor Keenan.
"By bringing these narratives together, we hope to deepen public understanding of what happened and to ensure that these experiences form part of the historical record," she said.
Participants will have an opportunity to raise questions, seek information, or request documentation from the Spiritan Order through the project.
Philip Feddis of Restore Together described the initiative as "an important step" in acknowledging the experiences of those affected.
"We know that many people who experienced or witnessed abuse in Spiritan or Holy Ghost schools in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s have never had the opportunity to share their history in a setting designed around their needs.
"Hear Me Now is about ensuring that their life accounts are heard and recorded with dignity and respect. We would encourage anyone who feels they have a perspective to share - survivors, family members, former pupils or staff - to consider taking part," he said.
Restore Together has emphasised that the project is not an inquiry or investigative process, but a restorative initiative designed to gather and preserve personal narratives and perspectives.
Restorative justice programmes have been established worldwide to help victims of abuse to engage in a process where they can share their experiences and have their harm acknowledged.
The focus of these types of programmes is on healing and accountability, often through dialogue with offenders or institutions.
The restorative justice programme between Restore Together and the Spiritan Order was established following the broadcast of the RTÉ Doc on One Programme Blackrock Boys in 2022.
Over 300 people who suffered sexual abuse while attending Spiritan schools have availed of guidance through the programme to date.
Last year, a statutory Commission of Investigation chaired by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath was established to investigate how abuse allegations were handled in all schools between 1927 and 2013.
The Commission's work is expected to take five years.
