Source: BBC published on this website Thursday 11 April 2024 by Jill Powell
Gwyn Loader writes
A Welsh abbey has commissioned an independent review into alleged historical child sex abuse.
The inquiry will be led by Jan Pickles, former assistant police and crime commissioner at South Wales Police.
It was announced by Father Jan Rossey, superior at Caldey Island Abbey.
Kevin O'Connell has campaigned since 2019 for an inquiry into allegations he and others were abused on Caldey, a small island off the coast of Tenby, Pembrokeshire.
He said the announcement was a "start", and that it had come about due to his years of campaigning and the work of the Caldey Island Survivors' Campaign, which he founded.
The former deputy children's commissioner for Wales, Maria Battle, is the safeguarding lead for the inquiry.
Ms Battle said it was now in the process of "awaiting outcomes".
"We will recommend that the findings will be made public," she said, adding that the hope of Father Jan is "to hear from anyone affected".
"In common with many other organisations, Caldey Abbey has, in the past, received disclosures and allegations involving members of the monastic community about their behaviour towards children," Father Jan said.
"We remain dedicated to providing a secure environment with effective procedures for safeguarding all who visit, live on, or work on the island."
