MANY of your readers will now be aware of the appalling treatment endured by so many children at the hands of so-called 'religious' people in Ireland and elsewhere.
I know that there are many Irish-born men and women here in Hillingdon who came to London in their youth as I did, not just to escape unemployment and poverty but also to leave behind the controlling and smothering hypocrisy of the Irish religious and political establishment.
Many will have had mental health problems, often undiagnosed and untreated. Many will have turned to alcohol abuse in an attempt to escape the guilt and shame of repressed memories and the recurring sense of helplessness.
The suppressed rage will have made it almost impossible to develop respectful human relationships. Partners and children will have experienced that rage and some may have even been abused in turn.
Education would always have been associated with brutality and not a love of nurtured learning.
As a survivor of the most brutal, physical, psychological and sexual abuse, which lasted for 14 years from the age of four, I eventually got some kind of justice - despite all their denials and lies - in an out-of-court settlement in October last year at the age of 59.
I would urge all those who are still trying to come to terms with the violent abuse endured in their 'innocent' youth to contact me. You and your family may be entitled to free counselling and educational assistance, funded by the Irish government. You may also get free legal advice.
I an be contacted by writing, in confidence, to my address: 27 Townsend Way, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 1TG, or by phoning 07746 865 086.
WALLY KENNEDY
Townsend Way Northwood
