"We had no-one with whom we could talk about why we were unhappy. Most of the time we lived in total fear. We had no freedom, there was complete control of our every move. Absolute regimentalism was expected. When we rose and ate and when it was bed time... 6 o'clock. I was 12 years old when I had to spend an entire week in bed during the summer for talking. I felt alone, lost, afraid and helpless."

Former resident, children's home, 1944-1960

The only thing I was told was that I was unwanted, unloved and a child from the gutter... I later found out (as an adult) that there were indications in records available that my father was contributing to my keep and I was 12 before I found out that I had a brother (my twin)."

Former resident, children's home, 1938-1956

"In my 15 and a half years at the children's home, I was told matter-of-factly that I was a bastard and that I should be more than grateful for what I had and that was the sole purpose of my being there. Never, at any time did anyone explain to me how or why I was brought to the home."

Former resident, children's home, 1944-1959

"Before she was hospitalised with tuberculosis, my mother spoke to a social worker. I was placed in an orphanage where my mother thought I would receive good care from the nuns. I knew who was 'in charge' of the orphanage - Sister X. For this sister to get any kind of attention all she had to do was hold up her first finger and everyone just froze where you stood, if you moved an inch you where severely beaten with a long wooden stick approximately 3ft long. This was used with brute force - sometimes the stick would break and had to be replaced."

Former resident, children's home, 1954-55

"I told a priest about abuse and he said "God bless you my child."

Former resident, two children's homes, 1954-1960

"There was no independent agency to talk to. If my former peers were to be asked I am positive they would agree. We lived in an atmosphere that as bastards and misfits we were in a different league with house parents and the children's home management. We felt somehow subservient and huddled together and of course we were always too timid to approach anyone else about our concerns. We were never encouraged to talk about our feelings, or about ambitions or what we would like to do after our departure. That we supposed, was all part of growing up and we would have to deal with it in our own miraculous ways when we were edged into the mainstream of society upon discharge."