As the Troubles raged across Fermanagh 40 years ago the sectarian conflict intensified but bombs and bullets were not the only means of destroying the lives of Catholics and Protestants on an inconceivable scale across this rural county.

If allegations in this newspaper are to be believed scores of children regardless of religion were repeatedly sexually abused almost as a by-product of a bitter and nasty war while a beleaguered police force struggled to keep up.

It is claimed sex abuse was used almost as a weapon against children and that a veil of secrecy ensured such depravity was kept hidden for several decades. Until now, of course.

The admissions by Sara and Jackie today that they as young Protestant girls were allegedly raped decades ago by men who got away with it proves abuse does not discriminate.

Whether it was school principal John McElholm who was steeped in Fermanagh GAA, the former bus driver David Sullivan who served in the RAF or members of the Orange Order did not matter. Both Protestant and Catholic children suffered.

Like many of the stories published in the past six months this is another example of the alleged abuse of power and the suspected failure of those tasked with looking after children in taking sufficient steps to keep them safe.

The dark cloud that has hung over Fermanagh in recent months shows no sign of fading, a bit like the pain that so many alleged victims are faced with.

It is not known if any of them will ever get justice or find closure but what is evident from the huge public outcry is the level of support that exists like never before. No longer must any sex abuse victim fall silent.

As they say, the sun always shines after a storm.