Charities Welcome Abuse Apology

Children's charities say they welcome an apology from the Catholic Church.

Members of the church are now being called on to deliver on a promise to turn recommendations in the McLellan Report, including rewriting safety guidelines and putting survivors first, into action. 

The charity Children 1st has set up a helpline for abuse victims. Mary Glasgow, their Director of Children and Family Services and External Affairs, said:

"Children 1st very much welcomes the McLellan report and it’s recommendations, which are both specific and measurable.  The Catholic Church in Scotland must now deliver on its promise to turn these recommendations into actions which will lead to genuine and lasting change to its organisational culture. This will help to ensure that children in it’s care are protected now and in the future ,and that any concerns raised are heard and acted upon appropriately.

"The Commission is right to call for support for survivors of abuse to be given absolute priority. Abuse in childhood leaves a lasting legacy of  emotional scars, yet too few survivors are able to get the support they need for recovery."

Anyone affected can call their priority Abuse Support Line on 0800 345 7457.