A public survey has been launched as part of an independent investigation into how historical child sexual abuse was handled in Irish schools.
The Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Schools said the questionnaire marks the first stage of its public engagement.
The commission has been tasked with examining how concerns about child sexual abuse in schools were dealt with between 1927 and 2013, including whether there were failures to protect children.
It was established following a scoping inquiry which identified allegations of abuse and highlighted the need for a full independent investigation.
Mr Justice Michael McGrath was appointed chair of the Commission of Investigation in July last year.
The new survey is intended to help the commission identify themes, patterns and experiences that may be relevant to its work. Information gathered will also assist in selecting sample cases for detailed investigation.
People who experienced sexual abuse as children in a school, or in circumstances connected with a school, between 1927 and 2013 are being encouraged to participate.
The survey covers primary and national schools, secondary schools, community and comprehensive schools, as well as fee-paying and non-fee-paying institutions. Special schools are also included within its scope.
Industrial and reformatory schools are generally outside the commission's remit.
The invitation to participate extends beyond survivors. Teachers, former pupils and others who may have witnessed abuse, been aware of concerns or been involved in reporting allegations can also provide information.
Survivors and people with relevant information who now live outside Ireland are also being encouraged to take part.
Family members can complete the questionnaire on behalf of survivors who have died or who are unable to participate themselves.
The support organisation One in Four is providing independent assistance to survivors and their families who are considering taking part or require help with the questionnaire.
The organisation has stressed that contacting its support service does not oblige anyone to complete the survey.
One in Four chief executive Deirdre Kenny said the impact of abuse in a school environment could make coming forward many years later particularly difficult.
“When sexual abuse happens in a school setting, and a child is not seen, heard or believed, it can deeply damage their trust in the adults and institutions meant to protect them.”
She said survivors should be given the time, information and support needed to decide whether participating was right for them.
Ms Kenny said making initial contact could be an overwhelming experience for survivors.
“It's a really complicated internal dilemma for a lot of people, both men and women. Even just picking up the phone, leaving a message and sending an email.”
She said the loss of control associated with past abuse could make reaching out particularly difficult.
“That sense of being no longer in control of what happened ... it's never to be underestimated how difficult it is,” she said.
Ms Kenny said investigations could be “liberating to a point” for survivors, but cautioned that taking part would not remove the emotional trauma associated with abuse.
She emphasised that nobody should feel under pressure to participate.
The commission's terms of reference provide for a survivor engagement process, allowing people to share their experiences without an adversarial approach. Family members can also engage on behalf of people who are unable to participate or who have died.
The survey is now available through the Commission of Investigation's website.
