The Police Service of Northern Ireland appeal for Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Work Houses victims to come forward

The Police launched an investigation into allegations of abuse involving Mother and Baby Institutions, Work Houses and Magdalene Laundries on 6th October 2021.

Thousands of people are said to have entered these institutions in Northern Ireland, that housed pregnant woman and girls over a 68-year period, and a wide range of alleged criminality is now being investigated.

Detective Superintendent Gary Reid, who is the operational lead for this Police Service of Northern Ireland investigation said: “We are aware of the profound impact on the lives of those who lived or worked in Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Work Houses, and the concerns of the wider public on how they were operated.

“Were you a mother taken to one of these institutions to have your baby?

“Were you adopted from one of these institutions?

“Did you work in one of these institutions between 1922-1990?

“Were you a resident in any of these institution?

“The last known institution closed down in 1990. This is not a lifetime ago, and we believe there are people out there who are still suffering in silence.

“If you were the victim of abuse in any of these institutions, or know somebody who was, or if you witnessed potential criminal activity take place, please contact us.

“We care about what you have to say, will listen and support you, and will act to keep you and others safe.”

A dedicated reporting system is in place to make it easier for people who suffered to come forward. All those who come forward will be spoken to by a specialist detective and will be offered the opportunity to have their account recorded so that a criminal investigation can take place. They will also be signposted to further help and support available.

If you wish to contact the dedicated Mother and Baby Institutions, Work Houses and Magdalene Laundries Investigative Team, you can do so via the following options:

Email: MotherBabyHomes.Magdalenelaundries@psni.police.uk

Direct line (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm): 028 9090 1728

Officers will deal with any matters reported in a sensitive manner and will, where possible, progress matters through investigation.

If you have been affected by domestic or sexual abuse you can also contact the Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline on:

📱 08088021414

📧 help@dsahelpline.org

💻 web chat – dsahelpline.org