Abuse Investigation Receives 29 Allegations Of Criminal Activity

PSNI officers investigating allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries have received 29 allegations of criminal activity.

The reports are from a number of people who were adopted from different named institutions and also from some who either worked there or were residents within these institutions.

All those who have come forward have been spoken to by a specialist detective from the Historic Child Abuse Unit within the Public Protection Branch and have been offered the opportunity to have their account recorded so that a criminal investigation can take place.

All those in contact are also offered to be signposted to other services for help and support.

Detectives are working with 'Truth Recover NI' and 'Birth Mothers and their Children for Justice NI' to encourage more victims and witnesses to come forward.

Maria Cogley, from the Truth Recovery Group said: "Truth Recovery NI has engaged and collaborated with the Police Service's Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses Investigative Team.

"A number of our members have made statements to the team reporting past criminality or to establish whether criminality occurred in relation to their experiences.

"Establishing potential criminality is imperative, either during individuals' confinement in one or more of the many types of NI institutions or as babies, now adults, born from an institution in Northern Ireland and subsequently adopted through coercive methods, fostered or boarded out or sent to institutions specifically for children.

"Truth Recovery NI is actively encouraging Survivors to contact the Investigative Team. You will be able to share your experience with Detectives in a safe, understanding and supportive environment."

Adele Johnston, from Birth Mothers and their Children for Justice NI said: "Birth Mothers and their Children for Justice NI are supporting the Police Service of Northern Ireland's investigation into the Mother and Baby Homes/Magdalene Laundries/Workhouses.

"This is a safe and confidential place to come forward, get information and support."

Officers are pleased that people are having the confidence after all these years to come forward. However, they believe there are still people out there who have suffered and not yet reported to the Police, including those who may no longer live in Northern Ireland.

To reach people who have since moved, social media advertisements have been set up to geographically target Northern Irish expats living in Great Britain, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. A dedicated webpage for the investigation is available here: Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries (psni.police.uk)

Detective Superintendent Gary Reid said: "We don't want anyone to feel they have to suffer in silence anymore and we will continue to do all we can to reach as many people with this message as possible.

"If you were the victim of abuse in these Homes or know somebody who was, or if you witnessed criminal activity take place, please contact us.

"We care about what you have to say, will listen and support you, and will act to keep you and others safe."

A dedicated reporting system is in place to make it easier for people who suffered to come forward.