***Distressing content warning***

Mr F gave evidence about the abuse he experienced in his first year at St Patrick’s College, Silverstream in 1953. The abuse, by the Rector, who was a member of the Catholic Society of Mary, led Mr F to abandon school at the age of 14. Mr F’s evidence sets out how he has engaged with the Church, not only to address the effects of the abuse on his life, but his concern that the Catholic Church is still not dealing effectively with the issue of sexual abuse. Mr F considered that children are still at risk of being abused in Church institutions. He addressed the need for the Catholic Church to do more to prevent abuse and help survivors.