A criminal investigation is set to take place.
29 allegations of physical and sexual abuse involving Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries have been reported to PSNI.
The allegations have emerged as part of an investigation launched in October 2021.
Reports have been received from those who were adopted from institutions, and also from residents and workers at the time.
Detectives are working with ‘Truth Recover NI’ and ‘Birth Mothers and their Children for Justice NI’ to encourage more victims and witnesses to come forward.
“Truth Recovery NI has engaged and collaborated with the Police Service’s Mother and Baby Homes, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses Investigative Team,” Maria Cogley, from the Truth Recovery Group said.
“A number of our members have made statements to the team reporting past criminality or to establish whether criminality occurred in relation to their experiences.
“Establishing potential criminality is imperative, either during individuals’ confinement in one or more of the many types of NI institutions or as babies, now adults, born from an institution in Northern Ireland and subsequently adopted through coercive methods, fostered or boarded out or sent to institutions specifically for children.
“Truth Recovery NI is actively encouraging Survivors to contact the Investigative Team. You will be able to share your experience with Detectives in a safe, understanding and supportive environment.”
A dedicated reporting system has been put in place to make it easier for people who suffered to come forward.
Anyone wishing to contact the dedicated Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries Investigative Team can email [email protected], or call 02890 901728 between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, or call 101 outside of office hours to pass your details on to the dedicated investigation team.
PSNI are looking to speak to both those at home and NI residents that have since moved country.
“We don’t want anyone to feel they have to suffer in silence anymore and we will continue to do all we can to reach as many people with this message as possible,” Detective Superintendent Gary Reid said.
“If you were the victim of abuse in these Homes or know somebody who was, or if you witnessed criminal activity take place, please contact us.
“We care about what you have to say, will listen and support you, and will act to keep you and others safe.”
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