Survivors left to deal with legacy of abuse

SURVIVORS of abuse at state-run institutions interviewed in a research project had all experienced one or more significant life problems, according to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.

Special interviews undertaken in 2005 and 2006 by the commission found that 247 victims had all suffered problems – mainly mental health issues, unemployment and substance abuse.

More than 90% of the interviewees had experienced physical and emotional child abuse and about half, child sexual abuse.