When contacted about this, Surrey Police said they had not been made aware of the allegations by the victim nor Dyfed-Powys or Sussex Police forces and had no comment to make. "I don't want Caldey to be a never ending story for people. In a statement at the weekend, Dyfed-Powys police confirmed that in 2014 and 2016 they had received reports of non-recent sexual abuse that occurred at Caldey Island with the named offender being the deceased Thaddeus Kotik. Because he was dead, a prosecution was not possible, the force said. Caldey Abbey has since paid compensation to the six women involved. The Welsh and UK governments have rejected calls for an inquiry. "And Father Charles would come back in and give me another tablet. Police confirm Caldey Island sex abuse reports. The force said it received the complaint on 11 April 2019, where "enquiries were made to identify the suspect and it was established that he died two days after the report was made". Mr O'Connell's family had been referred to the Catholic Church by social services as the church would take youngsters from struggling families who they thought deserved a break. Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under. WebA woman who was one of six children abused by a monk on Caldey Island in the 1970s and 1980s has said she "bitterly regrets" he was never jailed. (modern). Abuser film 'to remind yourself of me' Video, 00:00:57, Torment of Caldey Island abuse victim. He believes there must be hundreds of victims with their own stories: Were up against a barrier of lies and deceit, but well break through it, he said. Video, 00:00:34, Teen makes skateboarding history with 720 trick. Neither has there been any form of apology forthcoming.. 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18. Journalist Amanda Gearing, who has spoken to victims, said the victims involved believe visitors to the island - which is popular with day trippers because of its monastery - were grabbed from the path by Kotik and assaulted behind bushes. [My sister] came over with me once to the island. 2023 BBC. WebKevin O'Connell claimed he was sexually abused by Father Thaddeus Kotik, a monk living on Caldey Island, as a child. ", West Wales' finest ready to take on Royal Welsh challenge, 'Binge drinker' arrested outside Wetherspoons admits being drunk and disorderly, An amazing sight! Posted on June 30, 2022 I was talking to fellow survivor Kevin OConnell yesterday about Caldey Island and abuse by the Cistercian monks which he outlines in his guest blog, SEE BELOW. "You go 'perhaps this just happens occasionally and [he] is an odd person'.". Abuser film 'to remind yourself of me' Video, 00:00:57Abuser film 'to remind yourself of me', Torment of Caldey Island abuse victim. The last sentence of his statement read: Because of Caldey Island and Father Thaddeus, my family became friends with Father Charles on Caldey who was from Sussex, because of this I was raped in my own bed and gang raped in his home parish for five years.. One of the women reported her case to police on Monday. ", Mr O'Connell hasn't lost his faith, but said he is no longer a Catholic, saying: "I pray better at home than I do in a church. However because Fr Jeffries had died, the case was closed. Video, 00:00:43Teen makes skateboarding history with 720 trick, Russian missile strike hits restaurants in Ukrainian city. It was such a horrible place.. In 2017, six women received compensation from the island's Cistercian abbey after claiming to have been abused by Kotik. Kevin OConnell, 59, is campaigning for a public inquiry into the alleged abuse. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. "He was a very calm, un-angry person, I mean you wouldn't have in a million years thought he would be who he was.". Going home without that causes problems. But it wasnt until May the following year that officers contacted Mr OConnell and it was another five months until they interviewed Mr OConnell, where he made his allegations against Fr Jeffries during a six-hour long interview. They need to know who knew what and when.". Video, 00:00:39Watch 'curious' whale follow kayaker in Sydney, Minke whale spotted leaping off Yorkshire coast. Bishops Accused of Sexual Abuse and Misconduct, six women received compensation from the islands Cistercian abbey after claiming to have been abused by Kotik. None of us realised actually what he up to, what he was really about. Video, 00:00:34Torment of Caldey Island abuse victim, Teen makes skateboarding history with 720 trick. Three more women have come forward to claim they were sexually abused by a Cistercian monk at Caldey Island abbey in the 1970s So please don't take this further'. VideoThe endangered languages that are fighting back, When Miss World in India threatened 'cultural apocalypse'. Time has not dulled the memory of Mr O'Connell, who first visited Caldey off the Pembrokeshire coast when he was aged six. "And then things would start happening when they would take my pants off." Both police forces, Sussex Police and Dyfed-Powys Police, were asked to respond to claims made by Mr O'Connell. Dyfed-Powys Police said in a statement that because information has brought forward that was "not previously disclosed in the initial complaint", officers would investigate further. Monastery, Caldey As well as his own bedroom, Mr OConnell said he was also sent on holiday to Fr Jeffries home in Sussex annually for about five years in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where he said the abuse continued at the hands of what he believed to be priests and religious figures. Father Thaddeus with orphans visiting Caldey Island in 1970, Caldey Island, where Mr O'Connell claims many children were sexually abused by monks during the 1960s and 1970s, The Abbey on Caldey is popular with tourists and day trippers. He claims he was sexually abused by Father Thaddeus Kotik, a monk living on Caldey Island, as an 11-year-old child. What losses did Russia suffer in the Wagner revolt? Video, 00:00:19Police hunt man filmed carving names on Colosseum, 'It's so disheartening' - Dolly Parton tribute act on Meta 'ban' Video, 00:00:52'It's so disheartening' - Dolly Parton tribute act on Meta 'ban', Fire engulfs tower and sprays embers over UAE city. She added that after Kotiks death, another family member told her the monk had abused her and other children. The Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors group wants an investigation. He made friends with them. "Our safeguarding team would like to assure anyone wishing to discuss or report such a matter that we will listen to you, take you seriously, and consider how best we can support you.". With a recorded history going back over 1,500 years, it is one of the holy islands of Britain. There'd be men. Video, 00:00:43, Teen makes skateboarding history with 720 trick, Russian missile strike hits restaurants in Ukrainian city. Read about our approach to external linking. Kevin OConnell claimed he was assaulted as a child by Father Thaddeus Kotik, a monk living there. WebKotik was a Benedictine monk and lived in the monastery on Caldey Island from 1947 until his death in 1992. "Children will normalise things if their parents seem to approve everything," she added. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Alleged sex abuse victim details 'horrible time' Video, 00:02:46Alleged sex abuse victim details 'horrible time', Up Next. Torment of Caldey Island abuse victim. It was also discovered that Paul Ashton hid on the island, before finally being caught and taken back to the mainland and later sentenced and jailed. One said her two sisters were also abused, bringing the total to 11. "My fight is to get a public inquiry," said Mr O'Connell. A ninth woman said she and her two sisters were abused by Kotik. Mr O'Connell is campaigning for a public inquiry into alleged historical child sexual exploitation on the Pembrokeshire island. But when she did eventually tell her family, she said she was told not to take planned court proceedings against Kotik further. However because Fr Jeffries had died, the case was closed. A recorded message on the abbeys phone line said it was closed for the winter and would reopen in the spring. Video, 00:00:33Watch moment horse airlifted to safety from pit, One-minute World News. Increases successful prosecutions of child abuse cases. Mr O'Connell said he previously gave six hours of evidence to Dyfed-Powys Police about his abuse, which included allegations against Fr Jeffries. Provides a Victim Advocate to assist children and their non-offending family members access mental health and other support services. The commissioner, Sally Holland, said she wanted to make sure that any child or young person visiting Caldey or its churches is safe, and she had discussed the allegations with the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service, who did not respond to a request for comment. So I couldnt get out. Since November, 14 new people have reported they were abused by the monk when they visited the island off Tenby, Pembrokeshire, when they were children, Dyfed Powys Police has confirmed. Jenny realised that she was abused between the ages of five and six when she compared two school photographs - she said she looked tormented in the later picture. The Welsh and UK governments have also rejected calls for an inquiry. But the young boy was told if he said such things God would turn his back on him, the devil would be under the bed or the mirror, and a severed hand would come through the letterbox and strangle him. Video, 00:00:29Fire engulfs tower and sprays embers over UAE city, Watch moment horse airlifted to safety from pit. Newyddion S4C has made repeated attempts over several weeks to get a response from the Cistercian Order, who run the abbey on Caldey Island, into the claims made by Mr O'Connell and his calls for a public inquiry, but have not received one. To get the latest news from WalesOnline sent straight to your email inbox, including our regular Crime and Punishment updates, click here . I come from a big Catholic family. Kevin O'Connell, 59, is Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. "That would make it much easier for people to report because victims wouldn't fear that it would damage their relationship with the institution," said Ms Kind. Speaking to Newyddion S4C, Mr O'Connell said: "It would start off, you'd be given a pill before, it's a double bed, you came out of the bedroom. A file was then passed on to Sussex police, as the diocese where Fr Jeffries served was largely within that force area. "We just forgave him": Woman abused by Kotik speaks out (her words are voiced by an actress). Provides a specialized, neutral, forensic interviewer for childrens interviews. I am now deciding what to do about my parents because I told them at the time and they did nothing.. Dyfed-Powys Police added that it had passed on all information to the relevant police force. "He did that by inveigling himself into the lives of the parents, gaining the trust of the parents and then taking the children, most often in groups, and offending against them in groups. Meanwhile the childrens commissioner for Wales has asked the abbey for information on its child protection procedures. Wagner's network in Africa faces uncertain future, Prigozhin's soldiers rage while others cry conspiracy, How one temple feeds 100,000 people a day. She told BBC Wales that finally piecing together the information and putting together the story of her abuse made her realise how her life had fallen apart and led to her near death. ", Keep up to date with the latest stories with our WalesOnline newsletter. No pants or whatever.". He pulled me towards him. Sometimes for hours, sometimes for days where I'd go into a fantasy world - dragons or whatever," he said. I want it to end and things to be done properly and put in place., Documenting the Catholic Sexual Abuse and Financial Crisis Data on bishops, priests, brothers, nuns, Pope Francis, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Documenting the Abuse Crisis in the Roman Catholic Church Established June 2003, https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/caldey-island-kevin-oconnell-abuse-22343557. That was quite a shock to me that I was under a court protection order, said Mr OConnell, who only learned of his family situation as an adult. She said the children found the situation "very disconcerting". There are at least 21 victims who have since come forward and reported similar offences to Dyfed Powys Police with cases going back to the 1960s. A file was then passed on to Sussex police, as the diocese where Fr Jeffries served was largely within that force area. Read about our approach to external linking. 2023 BBC. "They followed us back to my home," Mr O'Connell said, adding that Father Charles raped him in his own childhood bedroom. WebWhat is CAC? SWANSEA (UNITED KINGDOM)WalesOnline [Cardiff, Wales, UK], [Photo above: Kevin OConnell, as a young boy on Caldey Island (Image: Kevin OConnell / Caldey Island Survivors Campaign)]. Teen makes skateboarding history with 720 trick. People cant just live hiding their lies behind the walls of Jericho. 2023 BBC. Increases communication and collaboration among community agencies investigating, prosecuting, and providing support services. But Mr O'Connell said an inquiry is desperately needed to learn lessons of the past and prevent failings in future. She said her family stayed at a cottage and Kotik was a frequent visitor, taking her and her friend on outings to secret places around the island. But it wasn't until May the following year that officers contacted Mr O'Connell and it was another five months until they interviewed Mr O'Connell, where he made his allegations against Fr Jeffries during a six-hour long interview. Going home without that causes problems. Despite this, Mr O'Connell told the Newyddion S4C programme he maintained that an inquiry is desperately needed to learn lessons of the past and prevent failings in future. Some victims' "earliest memories" were of the abuse, which she said indicated they were babies or toddlers when it first happened until they were away from the island. He said: I will not speak to Dyfed-Powys Police ever again, he added. I didnt go near him after that. And then things would start happening when they would take my pants off. He said he coped by taking his mind elsewhere, into a fantasy world. After her sister told her about her own experience with Kotik, they looked up his details on the internet and saw the media coverage of the allegations that he was a paedophile. Wagner's network in Africa faces uncertain future, Prigozhin's soldiers rage while others cry conspiracy, How one temple feeds 100,000 people a day. In the evening, I'd be taken to this room. There are at least 21 victims who have since come forward and reported similar offences to Dyfed Powys Police with cases going back to the 1960s. The victims claim Father Thaddeus Kotik, who lived on the Pembrokeshire island for 45 years, befriended families to earn their trust before targeting the young children. He shouldn't have been protected.". Six women have been paid compensation in an out-of-court settlement following sexual abuse claims in the 1970s and 1980s by a monk at the abbey. Nobody cared.. Video, 00:00:33Watch moment horse airlifted to safety from pit, One-minute World News. The abbey denied liability but this year paid modest sums of compensation to the women. The woman said she had no interest in compensation but wanted to make contact to let the original six women know they are supported. But she said there was pressure by both church and family for victims to shut up. Provides funding for training for investigators and other child abuse professionals. The story behind Caldey Island. Mr O'Connell claimed Kotik and Fr Jeffries both visited his parents' home in Newcastle Emlyn. Then theyd give me this mead, I know now it was mead. The programme reported how the abbey was told by a victim about Kotik's abuse in the 1980s but did not report it to police until 2014. VideoThe endangered languages that are fighting back, When Miss World in India threatened 'cultural apocalypse'. No pants or whatever. Talking to WalesOnline, he said: "The police don't understand little things like how they took my t-shirt away from me. The Loudoun CAC is seeking donations of the following items: .. It is alarming that there has been no public statement from the present abbot welcoming and enabling others to come forward if they feel able and want to do so now. Read about our approach to external linking. They used to give you pills and mead and everything to get you drunk, he said. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. "While we cannot prosecute persons who are deceased, all victims are asked to provide an account to police in order that any other persons linked to the offence can be investigated fully," it said. The Welsh and UK governments have also rejected calls for an inquiry. A woman who was one of six children abused by a monk on Caldey Island in the 1970s and 1980s has said she "bitterly regrets" he was never jailed. "It has a horrible effect on you because you end up doubting yourself," she added. And that's how I remember it and they'd say why did they take your clothes?". The abuse by Kotik began in the sand dunes, which the priest called their special place. Video, 00:00:45One-minute World News, Ros Atkins on five impacts of the Wagner mutiny. WebLast modified on Mon 27 Nov 2017 08.24 EST. Wagner's network in Africa faces uncertain future, Prigozhin's soldiers rage while others cry conspiracy, How one temple feeds 100,000 people a day. She died a few years ago. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. It is the most defining and important example of organised Catholic sexual abuse of children. Thaddeus Kotik with child 'Jenny' while she was staying on the island, Thaddeus Kotik with 'Jenny', who has released this photo to us of her as a child, Thaddeus Kotik died without any charges being brought against him, The endangered languages that are fighting back. She said they were hoping anybody else affected would come forward, adding they wanted an apology from the abbey. Mr OConnell said he has now lost faith in a police investigation. Time has not dulled the memory of Mr OConnell, who first visited Caldey off thePembrokeshirecoast when he was aged six. She said the girls did not tell anyone about the abuse at the time but she did not think the monastery responded well to the allegations that have come out since then. Kevin O'Connell, as a young boy on Caldey Island, (Image: Kevin O'Connell/Caldey Island Survivors Campaign). He said he first told a priest at his local Catholic Church while the abuse was still happening. Six women who alleged abuse by Kotik between 1972 and 1988 have previously been given an out-of-court settlement by the Cistercian Order and subsequently a total of 20 people came forward to allege abuse. In October 2018, Mr OConnell provided an anonymised statement to Dyfed-Powys Police via his MP, Ben Lake, which gave an account of his abuse by Fr Jeffries. Weve had no children because of the abuse that happened and I was just one of thousands. Earlier this year, he presented a petition containing over 5,000 signatures to the Senedd's Petitions Committee which was subsequently closed. More minke whales spotted off coast of south west Wales, Man with hopes of living off the land wins planning appeal - as well as costs, Shipping container plans next to Pembrokeshire recycling centre backed, A&E doctor in 'aggressive' rant at colleague after sleep deprivation, Countdown has begun to end of Putin, say Kyiv officials, Belarus leader welcomes Wagner boss into exile, Zelensky: 'Act of terror' as missile strike kills eight, Van life is far from glamorous on LA's streets, China crackdown pushes LGBT groups into the shadows, The endangered languages that are fighting back. Well carry on, well shout and scream. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Sometimes for hours, sometimes for days where Id go into a fantasy world dragons or whatever, he said. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Teen makes skateboarding history with 720 trick. Earlier this month, Mr O'Connell saw a petition containing over 5,000 signatures closed by the Senedd's Petitions Committee. Video, 00:00:21Minke whale spotted leaping off Yorkshire coast. Poor and deprived Catholic children many from the Birmingham diocese were sent on holiday to Caldey Island where the monks were waiting for them It comes as a journalist who investigated the case said "very many people" were victims of the abuse. 2023 BBC. A victim of alleged historical sexual abuse on Caldey Island has described the hideous abuse he says he suffered in the popular tourist destination. Mr O'Connell said: "It would start off, you'd be given a pill before, it's a double bed, you came out of the bedroom. Australian journalist Amanda Gearing was contacted by a victim now living in Australia, Torment of Caldey Island abuse victim. Kevin O'Connell, 59, is campaigning for a public inquiry into the alleged abuse. The children's commissioner is to write to the monastery for an assurance that children who visit the island are safe. WebCaldey Island (Welsh:Ynys Br) is a small island near Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, less than 1 mile (1.6 km) off the coast. Video, 00:02:47, Ros Atkins on five impacts of the Wagner mutiny, Watch 'curious' whale follow kayaker in Sydney. The fresh claims follow the disclosure in the Guardian last week that six women had brought a civil claim against the Cistercian order on the island off the coast of Pembrokeshire, alleging they were sexually abused as children by one of its monks, Father Thaddeus Kotik, who died in 1992. Video, 00:00:21, Minke whale spotted leaping off Yorkshire coast. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. "[My sister] came over with me once to the island. Video, 00:00:34, Up Next. six women received compensation from the island's Cistercian abbey after claiming to have been abused by Kotik, The story behind the house frozen in time that's going up for auction, Jealous thug repeatedly stabbed partner with barbecue fork in 'frenzied' attack, The eight new laws the Welsh Government wants to make this year, The Welsh Government wants to expand Senedd, change how buses work in Wales and change council tax rates, Man told police his 50,000 rally car was stolen, then they found bits of it all over his home. Kevin OConnell claimed he was assaulted as a child by Father Thaddeus Twenty people have now claimed they were sexually abused by a monk living on Caldey Island when they were children. Alleged sex abuse victim details "horrible time". A victim of alleged historical sexual abuse on Caldey Island has described the hideous abuse he says he suffered in the popular tourist destination. I want it to end, he added. They'd be drinking, smoking. Caldey Abbey has since paid compensation to the six women. We never spoke about it and that was always one of my regrets. Start of thread is here "He'd work out, through the parents, the way in to those children. "The diocese was first made aware of the allegation by the media and have had no contact with the individual concerned," it said. What I saw with my eyes is a horrible time on Caldey Island, said Mr OConnell. And they raped her. The abuse by Kotik began in the sand dunes, which the priest called their "special place". Then his hand went up my back and under my arms. They'd be drinking, smoking. Video, 00:00:19, Police hunt man filmed carving names on Colosseum, 'It's so disheartening' - Dolly Parton tribute act on Meta 'ban' Video, 00:00:52, 'It's so disheartening' - Dolly Parton tribute act on Meta 'ban', Fire engulfs tower and sprays embers over UAE city. "We are talking about children who were in the safest place they were supposed to be," added Ms Kind. My fight is to get a public inquiry, said Mr OConnell. One of the victims has spoken about why the children forgave the monk, who died in 1992. 23 November 2017 at 11:09am Two further reports of historical sexual abuse on Caldey Island The monk Thaddeus Kotik who has since died. In October 2018, Mr O'Connell provided an anonymised statement to Dyfed-Powys Police via his MP, Ben Lake, which gave an account of his abuse by Fr Jeffries. "I was in relationships with violent, alcoholic men and all these terrible things nearly ended my life because I was very heavily into drink and drugs, and living with a heroin addict is pretty full on.". None of the women can be named for legal reasons. Read about our approach to external linking. His sister led a troubled life after that, Mr OConnell said, where she turned to drugs and struggled with long-term relationships. He said Kotik even followed him back to his family home and the abuse continued in his own childhood bedroom. Then they'd give me this mead, I know now it was mead. He spotted the weak spots, thought of the things they most wanted," she said. There'd be men. "It was such a horrible place.". Having clothes to go away on holiday was special. Kevin OConnell, 59, is I think that saved me. "He was different with all of the families. Read about our approach to external linking. Ashton was found to posses 5,000 images of child abuse on his computer. A call has been made for the founding monastery to compensate people who were sexually abused by a monk in Wales. Nobody cared.". "This is why some children know that other children have been abused because they have seen it when they were children. And this was happening in my own home.". Read about our approach to external linking. 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