2024 Caldey Island Child Abuse Safeguarding Review
Over 50 victims have come forward over the years to say they were abused by monks on Caldey Island according to Caldey Island Survivors Campaign. These go back as far as 50 years ago and are thought to be a fraction of those abused. Survivors have been campaigning for a Public Inquiry but the Welsh Government have so far scandalously turned a blind eye.
I covered this previously here…
2022 Oct 8 Kevin's Story of Child Abuse on Caldey Island [6]
2023 Apr 4 Caldey Island Child Abuse Summary [2]
2023 Apr 6 Caldey Island Survivors Campaign - Easter 2023 [3]
2023 Apr 11 Caldey Island Twitter Thread [4]
There has been some progress in the Caldey Island Survivors campaign…
Safeguarding Review Announced by Caldey
A new Superior of Caldey Island, Father Jan Rossey has been appointed. In a press release on 9th April (see Appendix 2) it was announced that a Safeguarding Review into the allegations made by survivor Kevin O’Connell is going to be carried out.
A new Safeguarding Policy has been adopted along with new processes and reporting systems. Maria Battle, a new Safeguarding Lead has been appointed, who is a former Deputy Children’s Commissioner for Wales. The Abbey has also commissioned a leading Independent Safeguarding Consultant, Jan Pickles OBE, to undertake the Review.
A Frequently asked Questions (FAQ) sheet which outlines the extent of the review. Here are some relevant parts. FAQ sheet in Appendix 1.
What will be reviewed?
The review will examine in detail the allegations made by Kevin O`Connell and the management of those allegations by Caldey Abbey and identify any learning. The terms of reference for the review have been agreed and are on the website.
How will the review be undertaken?
By considering all the written material kept by Caldey Abbey and the Diocese of Menevia and meeting with Kevin O’Connell to listen to him and consider any material he has and by interviewing all appropriate staff and others and relevant professionals. Other past cases will be considered as part of the context of the review however, it is not the purpose of this review to make any specific findings of fact in relation to other past cases.
The monks also released other documents
Caldey Safeguarding Review FAQ See Appendix 1
Press Release 9 Apr 2024 - See Appendix 2
Caldey Safeguarding Review: Terms of Reference, Commissioned by Caldey Abbey - See Appendix 3
Caldey Island Survivors Campaign Response
Kevin O’Connell said
“The Abbey said that independent safeguarding is in place on Caldey Island. The RLSS ( Religious Life Safeguarding Services) are paid by the Catholic Church. So it is not so independent safeguarding.
I have told them from the start that I want a total independent safeguarding team based on Caldey Island during school holiday's paid by the monks. Independent means no one connected to Caldey Island or the police.”
Abuse Still Continues
Unconnected to the Review announcement Kevin received an anonymous letter from the island saying that sexual abuse and harassment of women and girls is still happening. The monks own all /nearly all the island and people who live on the island often rely on the monks for their house or their job. Victims are thus scared of speaking out.
The worst fear of campaigners is now confirmed. The abuse is still going on after 50 years with the Welsh Government negligent whilst Child Commissioners stand by.
Discussion
Firstly congratulations to Kevin O’Connell and the Caldey Island Survivors Campaign for his campaign to hold the monks accountable. There would be no review without his efforts.
Survivors have reservations that it is not independent as claimed and that is a concern.
I have not yet contacted Caldey Island since the Review announcement. They kindly sent me the documentation in the Appendices at the request of Kevin. I will research and have questions to ask.
In large part it is a Caldey Island Monks review of their own papers. Child sexual abuse by its nature is not written down, so any review of papers is extremely limited in its ability to find the truth abot child sexual abuse on the island. Furthermore it is dependent on the monks having kept incriminating documentation! The Review is also limited in scope.
Having said this, the monks need not have instituted the review, and already some good has come of it that the mainstream press have publicised the fact that the review is happening. This means that more people are aware of the fact that child abuse happens on Caldey Island.
Recent Mainstream Press
2024 Apr 10 BBC Caldey Island historical child sex abuse review announced [16]
2024 Apr 10 Mail Man claims more than 50 children were sexually abused by 'paedophile' catholic monks on UK holy island in scandal as bad as 'Jimmy Savile' as new probe launched [17]
2024 Apr 13 Mail 'I was raped by a paedophile monk when I was ten': Man reveals child abuse horror on church trip to holiday island where kids were 'dragged off into dark' by pervert catholic priests [18] ving kept incriminating documentation.
Fundraising for Surivors Campaigning
Kevin has paid many thousands from his own pocket for the campaigning. They raise funds by selling copper items and they also have a GoFundMe [19].
Email caldeyislandsurvivors@protonmail.com for ordering crosses or to contact them. The price is £25.00 including most postages.
Go Fund Me Calday Island Survivors [19]
Appendices
Documents in this Post
Appendix 1 Caldey Safeguarding Review FAQ
Appendix 2 Press Release 9 Apr 2024
Appendix 3 Caldey Safeguarding Review: Terms of Reference, Commissioned by Caldey Abbey
Appendix 1 - CALDEY SAFEGUARDING REVIEW - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS):
Why is this happening now?
Caldey Island is under new leadership and they are committed to transparency, openness and healing. The first step to healing is listening and Fr Jan Rossey, the new superior of the Abbey, is conscious that people affected by historic abuse may not have been properly heard. He wants those affected to have a voice and to ensure that the lessons from the past are learned and to ensure everyone living on and visiting the island is safe.
Who is Jan Pickles OBE, the independent reviewer?
Jan is the former Assistant Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales. She is an experienced social worker and has also worked in the third sector, probation service, government and the NSPCC. She is the director of a safeguarding advisory service to government, local authorities, NGO’s, education, sport, faith groups and the private sector. She has undertaken a wide range of similar reviews including Chelsea Football Club, Winchester College and for the Archdiocese of Birmingham. In 2022 she chaired the Child Practice Review into the death of Logan Mwangi. She has held Ministerial appointments as a member of the National Independent Safeguarding Board of Wales and as a non-executive Director for an NHS Trust. She has been the Chair and remains a member of the Advisory Board for the Centre for Expertise in Child Sexual Abuse a Home Office funded UK wide based organisation which provides evidence-based approaches to the prevention of child sexual abuse and protection of victims. Jan Pickles had no previous connection to Caldey Island or the Abbey.
Will the results of the review be published?
Yes. The key findings and recommendations will be published.
How long will it be before publication?
The review is underway. We will give whatever time is needed to complete it so we can’t say just yet as this is up to the reviewer.
Is this a public inquiry?
No, this is an independent review. Requests for a public inquiry were not granted by the Welsh Government or the Children’s Commissioner for Wales. Caldey Abbey does not have the legal powers to hold a public Inquiry but the new leadership at Caldey Abbey is keen to take the initiative to listen to the evidence and act on the recommendations of the independent reviewer.
What will be reviewed?
The review will examine in detail the allegations made by Kevin O`Connell and the management of those allegations by Caldey Abbey and identify any learning. The terms of reference for the review have been agreed and are on the website.
How will the review be undertaken?
By considering all the written material kept by Caldey Abbey and the Diocese of Menevia and meeting with Kevin O’Connell to listen to him and consider any material he has and by interviewing all appropriate staff and others and relevant professionals. Other past cases will be considered as part of the context of the review however, it is not the purpose of this review to make any specific findings of fact in relation to other past cases.
Can I have an interview with Fr Jan Rossey now about the review?
Whilst the review is underway it is inappropriate for Fr Jan to comment as he should have the opportunity to consider the evidence and the findings of the review first.
Who can I speak to about the review then?
Maria Battle, the Caldey Island Safeguarding Lead would be happy to speak to you, although what she can say whilst the review in underway is limited as the evidence is still being gathered. You can also contact the Religious Life Safeguarding Service or the Police. Contact details can be found on the press release.
Is this review connected to the Caldey Island Survivors Campaign?
The independent reviewer is considering the allegations of Kevin O`Connell who leads the campaign However, the review is independent of both this campaign and of Caldey Abbey.
Is it safe for me and my family to go to Caldey?
Yes. In line with best practice elsewhere all monks and staff have received safeguarding training. A new Safeguarding Policy has been adopted along with new processes and reporting systems. A new Safeguarding Lead (Maria Battle) has been appointed, who is a former Deputy Children’s Commissioner for Wales.
Is the review truly independent if Caldey Abbey is funding it?
Absolutely. Caldey Abbey does not know what the reviewer will find and will not be able to influence or modify its findings or recommendations.
What do I do if I have information that might be relevant to the review?
Please contact Maria Battle, the Religious Life Safeguarding Service or the Police (contact details are on the press release).
Maria Battle Caldey Island Safeguarding Officer - safeguarding@caldey-island.co.uk
Appendix 2 - PRESS RELEASE 9th April 2024
Caldey Abbey Announces New Leadership and Commitment to Safeguarding
Caldey Island, West Wales - Caldey Island Cistercian Abbey is pleased to announce the appointment of Father Jan Rossey as its new Superior. Father Rossey is committed to fostering openness and transparency within the monastery. As a central pillar of this approach, an independent review into historical claims of child abuse has been commissioned.
“In common with many other organisations, Caldey Abbey has, in the past, received disclosures and allegations involving members of the monastic community about their behaviour towards children”, stated Father Jan. “We take these allegations very seriously and, in order to uphold our commitment to safeguarding, we have commissioned a leading Independent Safeguarding Consultant, Jan Pickles OBE, to conduct a thorough review.”
“This review is about taking responsibility, learning from the past, and building a safe environment for everyone,” Father Rossey continued. "I have also appointed Maria Battle, formerly the Deputy Children’s Commissioner for Wales, as our new safeguarding lead. Maria is reviewing our safeguarding policies, practice and training to ensure all visitors to Caldey are safe.”
“As we prepare to welcome visitors back to Caldey Island, we remain dedicated to providing a secure environment with effective procedures for safeguarding all who visit, live on, or work on the island.”
The conclusions of the review will be made public after completion.
For More Information
Phone calls
Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) on 0300 323 0096
Police on 101
Maria Battle on 07562 946894
Maria Battle (Caldey Island Safeguarding Officer) safeguarding@caldey-island.co.uk
End
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Safeguarding on Calday Island archive [20]
Appendix 3. Caldey Safeguarding Review: Terms of Reference, Commissioned by Caldey Abbey
Background
Caldey Abbey is committed to providing an environment in which there are effective procedures for safeguarding and protecting all who visit, live on or work on the Island.
In common with many other organisations, Caldey Abbey has, in the past, received disclosures and allegations involving members of the community about their behaviour towards children.
As part of the commitment to safeguarding, Caldey Abbey wishes to examine in detail the allegations made by KO and Review the management of these allegations by its community.
Review
The Abbey has commissioned a leading Independent Safeguarding Consultant, Jan Pickles OBE, to undertake this Review. Her point of contact will be the Caldey Abbey Safeguarding Lead Maria Battle.
The role of the independent Reviewer is to identify any learning for Caldey Abbey from this case.
Methodology
a. Review all written material, correspondence and files kept by Caldey Abbey and the Diocese of Menevia relating to this case.
b. Meet with KO and his support/advocate (if wished) to identify any material he may have in his possession related to the allegations and their handling of.
c. Interview all staff and others who are deemed appropriate by the Reviewer.
d. Discuss the case with relevant professionals to gain their insight into the events at the time.
e. Prepare a written analysis of the material and prepare a high-level ‘key points’ report focusing on lessons learned and guidance for future best practice.
The Review process will be overseen by the Safeguarding Lead Maria Battle who will support the Review by facilitating access to documents and speaking with key staff about the purpose of the Review.
Prior to the Review commencing, the Safeguarding Lead will liaise with the Dyfed Powys Police to ensure that they are content with the scope of this Review and the proposed methodology.
Bearing in mind the historical context other relevant bodies including the Children’s Commissioner for Wales should be informed of the Review.
Limitations
This Review will encourage self-reflection with a focus on systems, policy and practice; it will be about learning and not attributing blame. If the Review identifies any behaviours that are of a criminal or safeguarding nature Caldey Abbey will follow its safeguarding policy (currently dated November 2022 but a refreshed version is about to be finalised) and make a referral to the appropriate authorities.
The Reviewer will also independently make appropriate referrals if the Review identifies any behaviours that are of a criminal or safeguarding nature.
Where the independent Reviewer provides advice and recommendations during the Review, Caldey Abbey will consider and will act on these rather than wait for the conclusion of the Review.
The Review will avoid ‘hindsight bias’ to ensure actions or the lack of action following allegations are viewed at the time they came to light.
This Review is not a legal inquiry. Past cases will be considered as part of the context at the time of KO’s allegation; however, it is not the purpose of this Review to determine criminal or civil liability of individuals or to make any specific findings of fact in relation to past cases.
Final points
This Review is about Caldey Abbey taking ownership and responsibility for ensuring it learns lessons from the past and creates a safe environment for all today. The output from the Review is the property of the Caldey Abbey. The Abbey is, however, committed to sharing the output and recommendations with KO and the statutory partners where that would be helpful to do so.
Whilst this Review has been commissioned by Caldey Abbey and is being paid for by Caldey Abbey, the output and recommendations will be those freely and independently formed by the independent Reviewer.
Any change to these Terms must be agreed by all parties in writing.
Jan Pickles 21.02.24
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Previous Posts on Caldey Island
2022 Oct 8 Kevin's Story of Child Abuse on Caldey Island [6]
2023 Apr 4 Caldey Island Child Abuse Summary [2]
2023 Apr 6 Caldey Island Survivors Campaign - Easter 2023 [3]
2023 Apr 11 Caldey Island Twitter Thread [4]
Links
[1s] 2023 Feb 28 Substack foxblog3 Caldey Island Abuse Timeline https://foxyfox.substack.com/p/caldey-island-abuse-timeline-and #CaldeyIsland #CaldeyIslandAbuse #cistercian #ChurchAbuse #Monks #CistercianAbuse
[1w] 2023 Apr 8 wordpress foxblog2 Caldey Island Child Abuse Timeline https://cathyfoxblog2.wordpress.com/2023/04/08/caldey-island-abuse-timeline/ #timeline #caldeyisland #csa #childabuse
[2] 2023 Apr 4 foxblog3 Caldey Island Child Abuse Summary https://foxyfox.substack.com/p/caldey-island-child-abuse-summary #CaldeyIsland #ChildAbuse #csa #FatherKatik #DanielVanSantvoort #Abbot
[3] 2023 Apr 6 FoxBlog3 Substack Caldey Island Survivors Campaign - Easter 2023 https://foxyfox.substack.com/p/caldey-island-survivors-campaign #CaldeyIsland #AbbotDanielvanSantvoort #CaldeyIslandSurvivors #csa #ChildAbuse
[4] 2023 Apr 11 wordpress foxblog2 Caldey Island Twitter Thread https://cathyfoxblog2.wordpress.com/2023/04/11/caldey-island-twitter-thread/ #caldeyisland #csa #childabuse
[5] 2022 Sept 20 Pat Mills Caldey Island Survivor of Monks https://patmills.wordpress.com/2022/09/20/caldey-island-survivor-of-monks/
[6] 2022 Oct 8 foxblog3 Kevin's Story of Child Abuse on Caldey Island https://foxyfox.substack.com/p/cistercian-monk-child-abuse-and-trafficking #cistercian #childabuse #csa #kevinoconnell #caldeyisland
[7] Caldey Island safeguarding https://caldeyislandwales.com/safegarding
[8] Caldey Island Website https://caldeyislandwales.com/
[9] Caldey Island Survivors website www.caldeyislandsurvivors.org
[10] CALDEY ISLAND ESTATE COMPANY LIMITED Company number 01003248 https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/01003248/officers
[11] https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/document-api-images-live.ch.gov.uk/docs/m91iheB_5MYdWeDI-8QWueTV22n1Ij5nq-K7Yh_bDeg/application-pdf/ ??
[12] 2023 Jan 21 OCSO Order of the Cistercians of Strict Observance Caldey https://ocso.org/2023/01/21/caldey-6/
[13] 2024 Apr 9 Menevia Caldey Abbey Announces New Leadership and Commitment to Safeguarding http://www.menevia.org/caldey-abbey-announces-new-leadership-and-commitment-to-safeguarding/
[14] https://caldeyislandwales.com/how-to-become-a-monk janrossey@gmail.com
[15] https://www.brothermichaelstrode.org/archive jan rossey trancript at westimister
[16] 2024 Apr 10 BBC Caldey Island historical child sex abuse review announced https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-68781558
[17] 2024 Apr 10 Mail Man claims more than 50 children were sexually abused by 'paedophile' catholic monks on UK holy island in scandal as bad as 'Jimmy Savile' as new probe launched https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13289881/Man-claims-50-children-sexually-abused-paedophile-catholic-monks-UK-holiday-island-scandal-bad-Jimmy-Savile-new-probe-launched.html
[18] 2024 Apr 13 Mail 'I was raped by a paedophile monk when I was ten': Man reveals child abuse horror on church trip to holiday island where kids were 'dragged off into dark' by pervert catholic priests https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13289881/Man-claims-50-children-sexually-abused-paedophile-catholic-monks-UK-holiday-island-scandal-bad-Jimmy-Savile-new-probe-launched.html
[19] Go Fund Me Calday Island Survivors https://www.gofundme.com/f/caldey-island-survivors-campaign?qid=165a4502336541ecd873f8dfa3871f3f
[20] Safeguarding on Calday Island archive https://archive.md/6t9kB
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As Kevin pointed out, the wolves are again investigating themselves (and anyone connected to the police or social services is not to be trusted). Therefore, it's a continuation of covering up crimes.
But more telling is that the monks don't acknowledge that child sexual abuse is Satanic ritual, meaning they're all involved in the Luciferian Brotherhood.
Many thanks for a brilliant report.
Best wishes. Kevin O'Connell
Caldey island survivors campaign