https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/over-300-alleged-child-abuse-cases-identified-by-scouting-ireland-1.3727771?mode=amp
Over 300 alleged child abuse cases identified by Scouting Ireland
Minister expresses ‘grave concern’ as ongoing audit identifies over 200 alleged abusers
Scouting Ireland has now identified more than 300 past victims of alleged child sexual abuse in the youth organisation.
The Irish Times understands the ongoing internal review has now identified 317 alleged victims and 212 alleged abusers.
Late last month the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone informed the Oireachtas committee on children and youth affairs that Scouting Ireland’s audit of past abuse had identified 108 alleged abuse victims, and 71 alleged abusers. In the three weeks since then the number of alleged abusers and victims has nearly tripled.
Ms Zappone said on Tuesday that the increase in alleged abusers and victims was “a matter of grave concern” and that the totals would “in all probability increase”.
“Supporting victims is my top priority. I would encourage anybody who has been abused or who wishes to name an alleged perpetrator to come forward,” she said.
Scouting Ireland’s internal review of past abuse is being led by child safeguarding expert Ian Elliott, and has included an audit of historic files, interviews with past staff and volunteers, and information from individuals coming forward in recent months claiming they were abused