The Australian Federal Police has announced its support of efforts by the Police Service of Northern Ireland to locate women and children affected by institutional abuse between 1922 and 1990 as the Service’s search widens to Australia.
Irish police last year launched an investigation into allegations of abuse within Mother and Baby Institutions, Work Houses and Magdalene Laundries in Northern Ireland and believes victims and witnesses may now live in Australia.
They are appealing for mothers who gave birth in, or anyone who was adopted from institutions in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1990 to come forward.
“These institutions housed many, including pregnant women and girls from 1922 to 1990 in Northern Ireland, who often felt coerced into giving up their child,” the AFP said in a statement.
Thousands of people are said to have lived in, worked in, or visited these institutions over a 68-year period.
“Officers in the dedicated investigation team have now received 88 reports; many of which include allegations of inconsistencies with birth records from those who were adopted from Northern Irish institutions and now live overseas,” the AFP said.
“Enquires to date suggest that there could be more victims and witnesses out there, with many moving or being adopted to countries overseas like Australia.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland are renewing their appeal and encouraging more people to come forward to report to police and have their voice heard.”
They are appealing to anyone currently residing in Australia, mothers who gave birth in one of these institutions in Northern Ireland, was adopted from, visited, or worked there to come forward and report to them. They say any information could be helpful.
“As the investigation continues into the Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Work Houses in Northern Ireland, we are becoming increasingly aware that the people impacted by these institutions do not just reside in Northern Ireland but could now reside all over the world as far as Australia,” said Detective Superintendent Gary Reid, who is the operational lead for the investigation.
“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.
“We would like to reinforce that this investigation is very much ongoing in Northern Ireland. If you believe you were the victim of abuse or other forms of criminality in any of these Northern Irish institutions, or know somebody who was, or if you witnessed anything suspicious, please contact us, we want to hear from you.
“We care about what you have to say, will listen and support you, and will act to keep you and others safe.”
A dedicated reporting system has been put in place to make it easier for people to report.
If you are a resident of Australia and wish to contact the dedicated Mother and Baby Institutions, Work Houses and Magdalene Laundries Investigative Team in Northern Ireland, you can do so via the following options:
Email: MotherBabyHomes.Magdalenelaundries@psni.police.uk or direct phone line (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm GMT): 0011 4428 9090 1728.
