Supports and Services for Victims and Survivors of Historical Institutional Child Abuse
The Office of the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA) has launched a new awareness initiative to help ensure that victims and survivors of non-recent/historical institutional child abuse in Northern Ireland are aware of the supports and services available to them.
The initiative aims to reach people who may not know that support is available, including victims and survivors now living outside Northern Ireland who spent time in institutions here as children. Support may still be available regardless of where victims and survivors now live.
About COSICA
The Office of the Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse (COSICA) works to promote and protect the interests of victims and survivors who experienced abuse under the age of 18 while living in residential institutions in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995, as set out in the Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Act 2019.
The Office:
- Promotes and protects the interests of victims and survivors
- Raises awareness of rights and entitlements
- Advocates for lifelong access to appropriate supports and services
Reaching Communities Across Northern Ireland and Beyond
As part of the initiative, approximately 2,000 information packs have been distributed to elected representatives, community organisations and public-facing services across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.
Packs have been sent to:
- MLAs and MPs
- TDs and Senators in the Republic of Ireland
- Leisure Centres
- Community Centres
- Libraries
- Advice Organisations
- GP Practices
- Community Pharmacies
- Credit Unions
- Support Organisations throughout the UK
Organisations receiving information packs are being encouraged to display information materials, including posters, flyers and postcards, where appropriate. During a second phase in January, they will also be encouraged to promote the initiative by sharing COSICA's messages about available supports and services through their social media channels, newsletters and other communications platforms.
Message from Joanne McComb, Head of Office
"Many victims and survivors continue to live with the impact of their experiences, and some may not be aware of the support available to them. Through this initiative, we want to ensure that information reaches as many people as possible, including those living outside Northern Ireland.
We understand that reaching out for support can feel difficult. Our message is simple: help is available, and you do not have to navigate things on your own.
We are grateful to the many organisations and elected representatives who are helping us ensure this information reaches those who may benefit from it."
Our Awareness Raising Work
This is the fifth awareness initiative undertaken by COSICA since the Office was established in December 2020, reflecting our ongoing commitment to ensuring that victims and survivors are aware of the supports and services available to them, wherever they live.
Contact Us
If you would like information about support available, or if you are unsure whether you may be eligible, please get in touch:
Telephone: +44 (0) 28 9054 4985
Email: info@cosica-ni.org
If you know someone who may benefit from this information, please consider sharing it with them.