Sexual Abuse Survivor Appeals For Formal State Apology

David Ryan, a survivor of sexual abuse who played a pivotal role in the “Blackrock Boys” documentary, has called on the State to issue an apology to the victims and survivors of abuse in schools run by religious orders.

The documentary raised a scoping inquiry that uncovered the horrifying scale of abuse within these institutions, revealing 2,395 allegations of sexual abuse across 308 schools operated by religious orders, involving 884 alleged abusers.

Ryan, who has become a vocal advocate for survivors, highlighted the deep emotional impact the report has had on victims. Since its publication, One In Four, an adult sexual abuse counseling service, has received over 300 calls from individuals seeking support. Ryan himself has been overwhelmed with calls from friends, family, and the media, all seeking his reaction to the findings.

Despite the attention, Ryan admitted he has not yet been able to read the full report. “It’s just too much, too raw. Too soon,” he said. “I’ll do it on my own time, but what has come out, I’m happy with.” The report’s revelations have stirred a mix of emotions among survivors, with some feeling validated and others grappling with renewed pain.

Ryan’s perpetrators are among the over half of the accused who are now deceased, adding another layer of complexity to his quest for justice.

Ryan’s focus is now on ensuring that other survivors are heard and that justice is pursued swiftly. He believes that the scoping inquiry has “set the ball rolling,” but stresses the urgency for a comprehensive Commission of Investigation. “It needs to be completed quickly,” Ryan insisted, emphasising the need for the State to address this dark chapter without further delay.

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Ryan’s call for a State apology is a poignant reminder that, while apologies have been made in the past, they are not enough. In May 1999, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern apologised on behalf of the Irish people to victims of abuse in residential institutions.

However, Ryan argues that the new revelations demand another formal acknowledgment of the pain and suffering endured by survivors. “There’s more people that have been hurt, severely hurt, and the pain is still there,” he said. “We’re all suffering still.”

The recent inquiry, led by senior counsel Mary O’Toole, began in March 2023 and included extensive survivor testimonies detailing their childhood experiences and the long-lasting impact of the abuse.

Ryan described his own participation in the inquiry as emotionally taxing but necessary. “It was a very, very tough day,” he recalled. “A lot of questions, but if you don’t answer the questions, they can’t go any further with it.”

The report recommends the establishment of a Commission of Investigation and calls for redress for victims, something Ryan feels must be expedited.

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Ryan’s advocacy is fueled not just by his own trauma but also by the memory of his brother Mark, whose untimely death has left a lasting void. Mark’s ashes will be scattered at Dublin Bay on his anniversary, a bittersweet moment for Ryan and his family as they continue to grapple with their loss. “I miss him terribly,” Ryan said, reflecting on the constant presence of Mark’s memory in his life.

Taoiseach Simon Harris acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that the inquiry has “uncovered a national trauma.” He expressed a deep sense of sorrow and disgust over the findings and suggested that a State apology was inevitable. Harris’s comments reflect the growing consensus that more must be done to recognize and address the suffering of survivors.

Ryan’s message to other sexual abuse survivors is clear: reach out and seek support. He encourages those who are not ready to approach the authorities to contact organisations like One In Four, which provide guidance and a safe space to begin the healing process. “Talk to them, and once you talk, it’ll flow,” Ryan said, urging others not to remain silent.

As Ryan continues his personal journey of healing, he remains determined to see justice served for all survivors. He is calling on the State to acknowledge the failures of the past and take immediate action. “We can’t keep sitting on our backsides,” he said. “It’s time to get this up and going.”