A senior Garda officer has praised the courage of survivors and urged anyone affected by historical sexual abuse to come forward, following the conviction and sentencing of George Gibney at the Central Criminal Court.
As Gript reported earlier today, Gibney received a sentence of 15½ years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse of children.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Superintendent Thelma Watters of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau said the crimes were aggravated by Gibney’s position of trust.
“Parents entrusted their children in the expectation of care and safety, and this trust was egregiously broken,” she said, adding, “Children had their childhood and adult lives forever changed.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Watters acknowledged the courage of the survivors who came forward, saying they had trusted An Garda Síochána to listen, to support them and to prosecute their cases before the courts.
She said gardaí were now appealing to anyone who has experienced historical sexual abuse, or who has information about such offences, to contact them.
“We acknowledge the profound and lasting impact that sexual abuse can have on individuals and their families,” she said. She recognised that disclosing abuse can be extremely difficult, particularly where it happened many years ago, and that every person’s circumstances and experiences are different.
She said each report would be handled with sensitivity, professionalism and care, giving individuals the time and space they need to explain their experiences.
“We are here to listen, to explain the options available to you and to treat your concern with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves,” she added.
Anyone wishing to report historical sexual abuse can contact their local Garda station or use the appropriate specialist reporting service.
Reports can also be made by email to reportsexualcrime@garda.ie, where a trained member of An Garda Síochána will respond.