‘Lives shortened by residential home abuse’ victim says

NORTHERN IRELAND
Belfast Telegraph

Lives have been shortened by abuse in residential homes, a survivor has said.

Many of the boys and girls are no longer alive today, Jon McCourt from Survivors North West added, claiming the defenceless children had a right to truth and justice.

Mr McCourt was a resident in St Joseph’s Catholic home (Termonbacca) in Derry and said he was beaten by a nun for being left -handed.

“For many survivors, the effects of the abuse have been long-lasting and harm has been passed down the generations.

“We not only expect a full apology for what was done to us, but also an acknowledgement that government has a responsibility to right those wrongs.”

Mr McCourt waived his right to anonymity to tell the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry how he was punished for being left-handed.

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