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[26 November 2007] - Survivors of institutional child sexual abuse show high levels of suicidal behaviour and mental health problems, research has found. In the first Irish study of its kind, experts interviewed former residents of the state’s industrial school system and reformatories and found that abuse of alcohol and drugs, along with social isolation, were also common. They also found evidence that sons and daughters of former residents suffer from mental health or emotional problems, such as difficulties bonding with their children. Other mental health problems included inadequate coping skills, impulsive behaviour, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a feeling of anti-climax following attendance at the redress board. The findings of the study, commissioned by the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) National Office for Suicide Prevention, and carried out by Martina O’Riordan and Dr Ella Arensman of the National Suicide Research Foundation, were presented at a conference in Dublin at the weekend. The two experts spent several months interviewing 90 former residents of the industrial schools. “During consultation, survivors explained that the experience of being abused in an institution has led to anxiety regarding the possibility of receiving nursing home care in later life,” said Dr Arensman. “This fear of what might happen to them as they grow older must be given appropriate consideration as a risk factor for suicide ideation [thoughts about suicide] among survivors. “This also indicates that the long-term effects of being resident in an industrial school during childhood have yet to be fully explored and understood.” She said there is a lack of study addressing the relationship between institutional child sexual abuse and suicidal behaviour and related mental health difficulties. “Future research should focus on effects of child sexual abuse perpetrated by both adults and by peers. “Studies focusing on the consequences of child sexual abuse in general have revealed consistent evidence of an association with adult suicidal behaviour, in particular non-fatal, as well as suicide ideation.” Despite the difficulties experienced by former residents, the study found that relationships, children, and education were hugely positive factors in their lives. “Considering the wide range of mental health difficulties experienced by survivors of institutional abuse, a multidisciplinary treatment approach is required within the support services.” Industrial schools were run by religious orders and funded by the public. In May 1999 Taoiseach Bertie Ahern apologised on behalf of the Government to its citizens who had been abused while children industrial schools. Further information
pdf: http://www.irishexaminer.com/irishexaminer/pages/story.aspx-qqqg=ireland...