Launch of ‘Hear Me Now’ Initiative Invites Victims/ Survivors and Others Affected by Abuse in Spiritan/ Holy Ghost Schools to Share Their Experiences

Dublin, 19th March 2025: The advocacy and support group Restore Together today announced the launch of Hear Me Now, a major personal oral history-gathering initiative designed to record the lived experiences of those affected by child sexual abuse in Spiritan (previously known as Holy Ghost) schools in Ireland. It will be led by Professor Marie Keenan, Emeritus Professor of Criminal and Restorative Justice at UCD’s School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice.

The initiative forms a central pillar of the wider Restorative Programme developed for victims/survivors of abuse connected to Spiritan schools. Hear Me Now seeks to provide a safe and respectful opportunity for people to share their experiences, have their voices heard, and contribute to a fuller public understanding of the abuse that occurred and its long-term impact. The first phase of the project will result in the publication of a report in the Spring of 2027 next year.

Professor Keenan will oversee an independent project team with experience in working with survivors of trauma and child sexual abuse. It is designed as a victim-centred and trauma-informed process grounded in restorative principles such as dignity, respect, voluntary participation and co-design with victims/ survivors.

The Hear Me Now project team is inviting victims/survivors, as well as family members, former pupils, staff, and others who were affected in any way, to come forward and participate in the project.

Through confidential interviews, written submissions, or recorded narratives, participants will be able to share their experiences and perspectives. Their stories will be preserved and published — anonymously or identified, depending on each participant’s preference — as part of a collective archive that aims to create a clearer picture of the experiences of those abused and the wider context in which the abuse occurred.

Professor Marie Keenan said the project represents an important opportunity for those affected to be heard.

“For many people who experienced abuse in Spiritan schools, their voices have never been heard or recorded. Hear Me Now aims to create a safe space where survivors and others affected can share their experiences in their own words and on their own terms. By bringing these narratives together, we hope to deepen public understanding of what happened and to ensure that these experiences form part of the historical record.”

The records collected by the Hear Me Now initiative will be brought together and published in a publicly accessible report and online archive. Participants will also have the opportunity to raise questions, seek information, or request documentation from the Spiritan Order through the project.

Philip Feddis of Restore Together said the initiative is an important step in acknowledging the experiences of those affected and encouraging people who may not yet have spoken about their experiences to come forward.

“We know that many people who experienced or witnessed abuse in Spiritan or Holy Ghost schools in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s have never had the opportunity to share their history in a setting designed around their needs. Hear Me Now is about ensuring that their life accounts are heard and recorded with dignity and respect. We would encourage anyone who feels they have a perspective to share — survivors, family members, former pupils or staff — to consider taking part.”

Participation in the project is entirely voluntary. Participants will decide how they wish to share their account, how it will be recorded, and whether their identity is made public or kept anonymous.

Restore Together emphasised that Hear Me Now is not an inquiry or investigative process, but a restorative initiative designed to gather and preserve personal narratives and perspectives.

People interested in participating in Hear Me Now can register their interest by contacting the project manager directly at Clodagh@hearmenow.ie.

Any victim/ survivor of abuse who wants to engage with the wider Restorative Programme, including accessing to therapy and speaking to someone for the first time about their needs can access a range of supports through the Restore Together website – www.restoretogether.ie