Support and Help is Available for Victims of Historical Institutional Abuse
In March of this year, The Executive Office launched an awareness campaign aimed at informing victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse of the support, services and advice that is available to them, as well as encouraging those who may be eligible for compensation but have not yet applied for it, to do so.
Adverts have been placed in local daily and weekly newspapers, posters have been displayed in Doctors Surgeries, Courts and Benefit Offices, posts have been placed on social media, and leaflets have been sent to every household in Northern Ireland.
These are just a few of the steps that have been used to raise awareness amongst victims and encourage those who have suffered to come forward.
The independent Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry that took place between 2014 and 2016 was instrumental in understanding the level of abuse that took place.
Its findings were published in 2017, with several recommendations, including the provision of health and wellbeing services, an apology from the state and a memorial.
In the years since the report, the Historical Institutional Redress Board (HIARB) has been created to consider and award claims for compensation.
The Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA) was also appointed in December 2020 to represent the interests of victims and survivors and can help people understand how the process works and what compensation they may be entitled to.
A support service for HIA victims has been established through the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS).
As of October 31 2023, the Historical Institutional Abuse Redress Board (HIARB) has received 4,115 complete applications since its establishment on 31 March 2020.
4,022 of these applications have been considered by a panel with over £78 million made in determinations.
If you are a victim yourself or you are aware of a friend or family member who has suffered, then you are being encouraged to come forward and avail of the help and support that you are entitled to.
Get advice, support, and signposting, including how to apply for compensation from COSICA, by contacting info@cosica-ni.org, calling 02890 544985 or visiting the website here.
Get information on dedicated specialist support and services from VSS: hiaenquiries@vssni.org, call 02890 311678 or visit the website here.
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Posted by NewryTimes News
on Nov 27 2023. Filed under Advertising Feature, Community, Featured Story.
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