Lawyers representing abuse victims at residential care home vow to ‘continue to fight for justice’
Lawyers representing survivors of abuse at a residential care home in Fife have pledged to “continue to fight for justice”, after a report highlighted systemic failures.
The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry has published judge Lady Smith’s findings into the care provided by the Christian Brothers at St Ninian’s Residential Care Home in Falkland between 1953 and 1983.
She found that not only were children exposed to risks of sexual, physical and psychological danger, but those risks also became a reality.
Legal representatives for survivors have now reacted to the report and the abuse it highlights.
Kim Leslie, specialist abuse lawyer at Digby Brown Solicitors, said: “This report rightly shines a light on the horrifying campaigns of abuse children suffered while in the care of the Christian Brothers.
“These physical and sexual attacks were utterly horrific, life-changing and permanently harmful to those who were subjected to them.
“We have acted for numerous survivors affected by abuse at the hands of the Christian Brothers and I hope this report encourages others to step forward and secure their own justice and recognition.”
Laura Connor, a partner with Thompsons Solicitors, added: “The findings of the inquiry’s report are welcomed, albeit not surprising.
“We know what happened to children under the so-called care of this organisation as we are currently dealing with various ongoing court actions against them.
“We very much hope that our clients and other survivors are able to take some consolation from the findings.
“We will continue to fight for justice for survivors and urge those in positions of power in this religious group to do the right thing now instead of avoiding responsibility by hiding behind legal arguments.”
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