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18.12.10

Hundreds of victims of the defrocked paedophile priest Tony Walsh are being encouraged to seek help by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

It follows the publication of a further chapter in the Murphy Report, which reveals how Walsh abused children in the 70s, 80s and 90s despite the knowledge of many priests, bishops and an archbishop.

The chapter, which describes Walsh as the most notorious abuser ever to the come to the Commission's attention, had been withheld pending the resolution of criminal proceedings against him.

Speaking this evening, Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre praised those victims who enabled the chapter to be published by taking the case against Walsh.

PRESS RELEASE - 17th December 2010

Further Confirmation of the Courage and Fortitude shown by the Victims of Clerical Sexual Abuse and their families in Chapter 19
As a frontline organisation working with the victims of rape, sexual abuse and the effects on the family and friends of victims, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) would urge anyone affected by the further revelations in Chapter 19 of the Murphy Report that was published today, to avail of the support that is at the end of the 24 Hour National Helpline 1 800 77 88 88.

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC said “Reading this chapter reminds not only the victims, but their families also, of how they were fobbed off year in year out by the authorities in the Church and made to wait and suffer years of further torment and turmoil, until they eventually got justice. The victims and their families stayed the course and some endured more than 15 years waiting to get justice in the criminal justice system. Today we can read the full truth of the extent of the sexual abuse of children by Tony Walsh and the cover up and the delays that further traumatised the victims and their families.

The victims of clerical sex abuse, who stayed the course, endured the delays and the undermining of their position, are owed a deep debt of gratitude by all of Irish Society. They showed tremendous courage and fortitude in the face of the denials and the cover-ups. Let us hope that this part of Irish History is well and truly in the past never to be repeated.”

For further information please contact:
Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, CEO - 01 661 4911 / 086 809 9618

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HELPLINE 1800 778888 A new beginning at the end of the line