The CEO of a group supporting victims of abuse, has commended the efforts made by the Spiritan Order, to encourage more people abused to come forward.
However, Maeve Lewis from 'One in Four' says the order now has an obligation to provide significant support services for the 233 men alleged to have been abused by Spiritan Priests.
The abuse happened in nine schools including Blackrock College where 57 people to date have claimed to have been abused.
Maeve Lewis says this abuse might have happened in their childhood, but it's likely to impact them for their lives:
"The efforts by the spirits to encourage other survivors to come forward that is to be commended. Because if somebody's been sexually abused, it's likely the impact of that abuse is going to continue right throughout their lifetimes so that people desperately need access to support services, counseling, advocacy, services, supportive engage in criminal justice processes and the order I would believe as an obligation to provide that level of support."
If you've been affected by this story you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or the National Rape Crisis Centre Helpline on 1800 77 88 88.
