European Court Rules for Irish Child Sex Abuse Victim

SNAP
January 28, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/ireland_european_court_rules_for_irish_child_sex_abuse_victim

We applaud the European Court of Human Rights for siding with an Irish woman who was sexually abused as a youngster by her school principal. The Irish state, the court ruled, failed to protect her.

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Being involved in the struggle for children's safety for 25 years, we have learned two things. First, every individual and institution that endangered kids and protected predators must be exposed and punished, if ever child sex crimes and cover ups are to be stopped. And second, when one or two or three avenues for justice are closed to victims, we must be more persistent and creative about seeking help elsewhere, even if it means going to international bodies like the European Court of Human Rights.

When secular authorities, like religious figures, ignore or hide crimes against kids, they must be held responsible, no matter where or when the wrongdoing occurred. Long after World War II, law enforcement agencies track down and prosecute war crimes, because as civilized people, we want to send a strong signal that those who would torture others will be pursued forever.

The same persistence must be shown against those who would hurt kids and help others hurt kids.

Louise O’Keeffe is a brave woman. We hope her courage will inspire others who are suffering in shame, silence and self blame to step forward. We hope child sex abuse victims will learn this crucial lesson – seek justice, and don't stop until you get it.