Abuse Inquiry wants to hear from victims

The inquiry has launched a promotional campaign using bus shelter advertising posters at 80 locations in a total of 31 towns and cities throughout the Province, including the borough.

The posters carry a simple message – ‘Talk to Us – We’ll Listen’ - in an effort to raise awareness of the Inquiry among victims and survivors, and to encourage them to make contact with the Inquiry team.

Launching the promotional campaign, the Inquiry’s Chairman, Sir Anthony Hart, said: “We are determined to do as much as we reasonably can to make our existence known to those who may have been abused as children in the institutions which fall within our terms of reference.

“This is because we want as many people as possible who can help the work of the Inquiry to come forward, and to come forward now, not to wait.”

The Inquiry is tasked with investigating historical childhood abuse which took place at residential institutions in Northern Ireland which fall within the Inquiry’s terms of reference.

To date, 193 potential witnesses have submitted applications to testify to the Inquiry and/or its Acknowledgement Forum.

Application forms can be downloaded from the website www.hiainquiry.org or requested by calling the Inquiry helpline on Freephone 0800 068 4935.