Case 13: The De La Salle College Abuse Case
Time & Location: 1990s, Waterford, Ireland
Victim: Multiple students
Background: De La Salle College, a Catholic boys’ school in Waterford, Ireland, was the site of widespread sexual abuse by several members of its teaching staff during the 1990s. The abuse, which included inappropriate touching and other forms of sexual misconduct, was covered up by the school’s administration for years. Survivors of the abuse eventually came forward, leading to a public outcry and an investigation into the school’s handling of the allegations.
Current Status: Several teachers were eventually convicted of sexual abuse and sentenced to prison. The school faced numerous lawsuits from former students, resulting in significant financial settlements. The scandal prompted the Catholic Church and educational institutions in Ireland to reevaluate their policies and procedures for handling abuse allegations, and led to increased support for survivors of sexual abuse.
