Individuals affected by historical child abuse within faith-based environments are urged to come forward and recount their stories.

The First Minister and the deputy First Minister are urging victims and survivors of past child abuse within faith organizations to share their experiences as part of an ongoing research initiative.

The initiative, commissioned by The Executive Office, aims to explore the experiences of victims and survivors within various faith communities. Additionally, it will seek to gather insights on what participants consider as possible future actions.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Clerical child abuse has had a devastating impact on many people here, and those affected deserve truth and justice. It is also important that they are able to tell their stories about the abuse they suffered, to be listened to and have their voices heard. This study will offer a safe space for people to do that.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “We recognise the importance of fully understanding the prevalence of child abuse in faith settings and the impact it has had on victims and survivors.

“This study aims to shed light on how we can effectively meet the needs of individuals impacted by historical clerical child abuse. I urge anyone affected to step forward and participate in the research, sharing their personal experiences and recounting their stories in their own voices.”

This research is part of a trio of studies commissioned to investigate the prevalence and systemic characteristics of historical child abuse within faith-based environments in Northern Ireland.