IRELAND
Online.ie
Television documentaries exposing sexual abuse by clergy led to a high number of victims coming forward to report rape in Ireland, figures showed today.
Counsellors said that programmes such as Suing the Pope and Cardinal Secrets helped many people take the first step towards recovery from their ordeal.
Both were broadcast during 2002 and coincided with an 18% rise in calls to Dublin’s Rape Crisis Centre.
“Media coverage of sexual abuse does help people to come forward and disclose abuse, thus starting the path to recovery,” Dublin RCC chairperson Breda Allen said.
But she warned that media coverage could also be upsetting for victims, reminding them of feelings of shame and helplessness.
The BBC documentary Suing the Pope – broadcast in April 2002 – led to the resignation of the Bishop of Ferns, Brendan Comiskey.
