Briefing: Bethany Home survivors call for justice
Published: Monday, April 29, 2013
The National Women's Council of Ireland and the Bethany Survivors Group organised a briefing on the Campaign for Justice for Bethany Survivors, a day after the survivors met Justice Minister Alan Shatter, on April 17th, 2012.
Bethany Home (1921 - 1972) was a residential institution in Dublin for women of the Protestant community who were convicted of petty theft and prostitution as well as unmarried women who were pregnant, and their children. From 1934, Bethany House became subject to inspection from the Department of Local Government and Public Health. Surviving children report abuse and neglect and the high infant mortality rates in the home is well documented. Niall Meehan spoke of uncovering the unmarked graves of 219 children who were resident in the Bethany Home.
Derek Leinster, who began the campaign for justice, spoke of his dismay at being left out of the Residential Institutions Redress Scheme, and more recently, the Magdalene Redress Scheme. Survivor Eileen Macken said 'If only the government would listen. We have to fight now. It is the loneliest life until someone listens.'
Bethany Home survivors are now calling for redress and justice.
See Bethany Home Facebook page for more details: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bethany-Survivors-Group-Ireland/152641001541536