Expert warns impact of scandal will be ‘felt for several generations’

THE author of the first Irish study into the long-term effects of institutional child abuse on survivors has warned that the repercussions of the scandal could be felt for several generations to come.

Dr Ella Arensman of the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) said she was concerned that publication of the Child Abuse Commission’s report last week had been interpreted in some quarters as offering closure to survivors when for many, it was only the start of dealing with the impact of their ordeal.

“Despite our own research, the situation as detailed in the Commission’s report is even worse than I knew. We are a long way from closure.”