Commissioner launches new awareness initiative to reach survivors of historical institutional child abuse
The Northern Ireland Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, Fiona Ryan, has launched a new awareness campaign to reach survivors of historical childhood institutional abuse living outside of Northern Ireland.
The Commissioner’s awareness initiative aims to provide advice and information on how victims and survivors can access support services or apply for financial redress compensation if they suffered or witnessed any form of abuse as a child in an institution in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995.
The campaign is focusing on reaching those victims and survivors of historical institutional child abuse who live outside of Northern Ireland as there is an increased risk of them being unsure or unaware of their entitlements. The awareness initiative comes at a time when the redress scheme, set up to provide financial compensation for survivors, will enter into its final year.
Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse, Fiona Ryan, said:
“I have been concerned for some time that there are victims and survivors who may be unsure or unaware of their entitlements particularly those living outside of Northern Ireland. I know from having listened and spoken to Northern Ireland victims and survivors living elsewhere, that for many, the abuse they experienced as children in institutions contributed to their decision to leave Northern Ireland.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that victims and survivors are aware of their entitlements.
My Office supported the campaign in Northern Ireland last year. We also undertook in parallel an awareness initiative to reach those victims and survivors of historical institutional child abuse who are now living outside of Northern Ireland.
“We are going forward with a similar initiative this year, again with the aim of reaching as many victims and survivors as possible. Every survivor is an individual and the choices they make are their own. We want to ensure that victims and survivors have the necessary information on financial redress compensation, services and supports so that they can make informed choices.”
“My team is here to provide general advice and information on how to apply for redress, services and supports. My Office can be contacted on 028 9054 4985 or email info@cosica-ni.org”.