NORTHERN IRELAND
Bakewell Today
The chairman of the largest ever child abuse inquiry in the UK has appealed for openness from residential homes alleged to be responsible.
Public hearings into claims of sexual, emotional and physical abuse in Northern Ireland has opened in Banbridge, Co Down. More than 300 witnesses are expected to be called over the next 18 months.
Sir Anthony Hart said victims would at last have the satisfaction of knowing that their stories were being listened to.
“This may be a challenging process for everyone involved but it is our hope that everybody, whether from Government or from the institutions, who is requested to assist the inquiry will cooperate in a fair, a open and whole-hearted way so that this unique opportunity will not be wasted.”
The independent Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry is hearing abuse claims in children’s homes and juvenile justice centres over a period spanning more than seven decades and has the power to compel witnesses and refer evidence to the police for criminal investigation.
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