*There is a world of difference between ‘survivor-led’ and ‘survivor-consulted’.
A much respected hard working survivor advocate wrote these *words. These are mine : a public inquiry cannot be a case of 'we do this to and for Survivors, whom we've consulted.' As I write I remind myself, and my readers that I do not write for all Survivors, as an 'authority'. I wrote these words because they are what I see, from my small space, looking at it all.
I want to contribute to the task ahead of us.
I want to contribute to the task ahead of us.
https://www.rte.ie/radio/doconone/1333550-blackrock-boys
In the following weeks further presentations by the two brothers, and others, across Irish News media revealed a wider extent of predatory abuse of children than previously acknowledged. The brothers, and others, issued calls for a Public Inquiry. Government made noises moving towards that outcome, everyone unsure what the task of this Inquiry ought to be.
Their personal testimony was also presented, a month later on November 9th, on the popular Late Late Show. Their testimony was raw, honest, painful, courageous, humble, upright, no more shame. The brutality of their assailant was made quite clear, in brief stark terms.
RTE Late Late Show 9 November segment : A survivor, David, describes his experience, honestly, humbly.
The audience paid close attention to the two brothers and their friend, as they spoke, from start to finish. The support for these two men, their friend, the respect for courage, the empathy and concern was palpable.
The Institutions protected the assailants, not the children.
The audience took upon itself to offer a long hearty standing ovation to the two brothers, and their friend and by extension to proffer support and recognition, to all Survivors, in Ireland and elsewhere across a varied diaspora as the precious children of Ireland. To be nurtured. To be held, in safety, and supported to live well, and in some peace, if justice is fully served.
21% of one year of Black Rock College reported incidents of sexual abuse, as targets or as bystanders.
How many in each year, on any given year? In any given day school or boarding school? In places that purport to nurture children?
We have been here before. RTE Question Time 25th May 2009.
"A question is asked about the Ryan Commission report on child abuse within institutions run by the religious orders in Ireland. After the panel had spoken the questioner responded and his response...well see for yourself. Just a note, but my apologies for the ragged nature of the end of the piece. Editing wasn't very good with the late hour."
So last century, don't you think? Only ain't. That's really sad.
Ireland, this time we really do need to know what happened, we need to understand this, accurately, honestly, fully.
" A problem that is more fully understood is half way towards resolution, a problem incorrectly understood is insoluble."
That, plus immediate support for presenting current survivors, is the start, and then we can set matters as right as they can be, in this imperfect, evolving culture we share. We must understand this. We must support the Survivors, and together support the Government of the day, and the Churches and others to do the right thing, correctly.
A mandate for a country, a population.
Do the right thing.
Unmet needs, past and present
Clarity.
The combination of official, institutional records and the testimony and human geography of Survivors lived experience, from so many offers a level of historical clarity.
Survivors families needs in this Inquiry are clarity, honesty, transparency and accountability.
Un-met needs
The unmet needs of the children each Survivor was, as they endured such vile mistreatment are alive, and as vital to this inquiry as are the unmet needs of the adult Survivors today.
Someone, better still a loving community, who take robust action to prevent the identified predator(s) from ever engaging in such behaviour in society. Once is once too many times.
Ireland
Kindest regards
Corneilius
Thank you for reading this blog.
"Do what you love, it is your gift to universe."
This blog, like all my other content creation work is not monetised via advertising. If you like what I present, consider sharing my content. If you can afford the price of a cup of coffee or a pint of beer/ale/cider for a few months, please donate via my Patreon account.
https://patreon.com/corneilius - donations gratefully received
https://www.reverbnation.com/corneilius - .mp3 songs
https://www.soundcloud.com/coreluminous - .wav Songs
https://www.corneilius.net - Archive
#folkmusic
#singersongwriter
#blogger
#music
No comments:
Post a Comment