Survey launched on the handling of Historical Child Abuse in Schools

A public survey has been launched by the Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools.

The Commission is inviting survivors and others with any relevant information or knowledge to take part in the survey.

The Commission was established to examine the handling of concerns of child sexual abuse related to schools in Ireland from 1927 to 2013.

This is the beginning of the Commission’s work, and is the first stage of its public engagement, with responses helping to inform the work of the Commission.

The Commission said that they are aiming for a survivor-centred design, working closely with survivors and experts in trauma-informed practice to make sure that the survey reflected principles like safety, confidentiality, respect and inclusivity.

The survey will inform the Commission’s formal investigation into the handling of concerns of child sexual abuse. Participants can indicate if they wish to provide further information to investigators if requested to do so at a later stage.

This is voluntary, and preferences can be selected in the survey. Completing the survey does not mean that respondents' experiences will be investigated, as the commission is taking a sampling approach.

Those interested in accessing further information or completing the survey can do so by visiting www.commissionofinvesitgation.ie.