Those affected by abuse and mistreatment at Mother and Baby institutions in Northern Ireland could soon be able to access help at ABC Council-owned buildings.
They will, that is, if a notice of motion being brought forward by the DUP receives majority support.
The motion is due to be debated at the October monthly meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council tonight (Monday).
Brought by Councillor Ian Wilson and seconded by Alderman Paul Greenfield, the motion asks that the council recognises the “negative impact” of Mother and Baby institutions in Northern Ireland.
And it adds: “We further acknowledge the abuse, harrowing effects, mistreatment, cross-denominational and trans-generational trauma impacting many families across our district.
“This council will support anyone impacted by the Mother and Baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses in Northern Ireland between 1922 to 1990 to come forward confidentially and seek assistance from the dedicated Police Service of Northern Ireland investigation team.”
And it concludes: “We commit to ensuring information literature and the signposting of advice is available within our civic centres and public amenity buildings.”
Police launched an investigation into allegations of abuse within Mother and Baby institutions, workhouses and Magdalene laundries in Northern Ireland on October 6, 2021.
These institutions housed many, including pregnant women and girls, from 1922 to 1990 in Northern Ireland.
Thousands of people are said to have lived, worked or visited these institutions over a 68-year period.
In little over a year, officers in the dedicated investigation team had received 80 reports from mothers who were taken to one of these institutions to have their baby, those adopted from them, workers, or those who were once a resident.
Monday night’s notice of motion, if successful, could see council offer help in the hope that many more might feel able and supported to come forward.
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