Restorative justice: Survivor on how meeting her abuser put her in a position of power

Woman sexually abused at age 14 by older boy believes meeting was key in her recovery

Blackrock College past pupils, from left, John Coulter, Corry McMahon and Louis Hoffman, along with Philip Feddis joining via phone at a joint news briefing with the Spiritans in Ireland last week, where they announced a restorative justice process for victims/survivors of historical abuse at schools and institutions run by the Spiritan Congregation. 

When Maria* faced the man who had abused her, she was adamant she would not let him see her cry.

Instead, she wanted him to see her in a position of power at last, able to outline how damaged her life and those of her family and friends were by his actions.