A protest calling on justice for alleged victims of child sex abuse in Fermanagh has taken place in Enniskillen this afternoon (Saturday).
The protestors held placards outside the Courthouse and outside the PSNI station as one of the organisers – Padraig Murphy – used a megaphone to appeal for anyone with information on child sex abuse in the county to go the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
“We are calling for support, we are making it clear that we support justice for the sexually abused children, and we are demanding police action as soon as possible,” he said.
A small crowd of spectators assembled along East Bridge Street to watch the protest.
It comes as over 30 alleged sex abuse victims have spoken to The Impartial Reporter in the past four months with allegations against over 50 men spanning several decades.
A special team has been set up by the Police Service of Northern Ireland to review every single case in Fermanagh as more and more alleged victims question the apparent inaction of the police and other authorities in the past.
“We continually hear rumours of cover up, etc, and when we have elected representatives showing a lack of interest, asking others not to be involved then this only leads the rumour mill,” said Mr. Murphy.
“Today we call on members of the public if any one of you have information on sexual abuse of children then you have a duty to share this with the PSNI. If any of you know a struggling victim and you believe you can help with them speaking out, to the PSNI, then you have a duty,” he said.
Caroline Wheeler praised the number of people who have spoken out in recent months, explaining that very many adults were “wounded” as a result of child sex abuse.
“Father Brian D’Arcy recently said that any institution that protects child sexual violence does not deserve any respect,” she said, to loud cheers.
Speaking to the crowd, Enniskillen Councillor Donal O'Cofaigh said he was protesting “to demonstrate that victims of alleged sexual abuse have been failed and continue to be failed”.
“We call on the PSNI to act, we call on justice for victim for these abuse actions, we call on the victims to receive support. The community stands behind you.”
Some of the victims held copies of The Impartial Reporter’s child sex abuse coverage and placards calling on a “full and open investigation” and “justice for victims of sexual abuse”.
One woman asked those in attendance to “support all victims” and added: “It is so painful, we really need support. Please give victims support.”
“There are so many abusers in the county, every single person knows someone who is an abuser and they also know the victims,” said another woman, holding a placard.
“If you know anything please go to the police,” she said.
NEED HELP?
Nexus NI offers counselling and support. For further information visit www.nexusni.org or to make an appointment contact the Enniskillen office on 028 66 32 0046. The 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline can be contacted on 0800 917 1414 The Rowan, a specialist regional Centre for victims of sexual violence and abuse that offers support and a range of medical services. Free phone helpline is 0800 399 4424 or for more information visit www.therowan.net
To report allegations of child sex abuse in Fermanagh phone the Police Service of Northern on 101. Your details will be recorded by specially trained staff and someone will return your call. You can also report directly to the police through a dedicated email address at historicalabuse@psni.pnn.police.uk.
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