This story contains language that some readers may find disturbing.
The next step in a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of residents of the Boys’ and Girls’ homes in Pleasantville, Whitbourne and Waterford Bridge Road is a trial on the common issues.
The lawsuit claims that the sexual abuses were committed by employees, priests and sometimes older children—and included molestation, rape, beatings while naked and detention while naked. The incidents spanned from 1973 to 1989.
Charts with dates and details on abuse, cover up and inquiries around sexual abuse in these homes over the decades. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli pic.twitter.com/NdAGixRdyU
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) October 7, 2019
One of three lawyers representing the residents, Lynn Moore says the common issues are: whether government had sufficient policies and procedures in place that would protect against sexual abuse; and did government have sufficient training in place for the staff and residents.
Moore says their argument is that the facts demonstrate government clearly did not have these children in mind when developing their policies.
Moore says there was a clear lack of government action on these crimes and believes they were covered up to avoid embarrassment at the time.
There are 90 days for unidentified victims to join the class-action. There are approximately 60 people involved at this point@VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/7Ow7pC8VA2
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) October 7, 2019
There are around 60 people in the class action at this point. Moore says about 85 per cent of those are men, while 15 per cent are women. They are continuing their appeal for more women to come forward.
They have 90 days to get the word out and have people come forward and Moore says they won’t really know the extent of the class until the whole thing is over.
A settlement could be in the tens of millions.
