Victims of a historic case of child sexual abuse at a monastery in Caldy, south Wales, have told the Daily Mail that more than 50 children were sexually abused by Catholic monks at the monastery. Allegations of abuse against monks at Caldi Monastery have been surfacing for some time, and an independent investigation was recently launched following security changes at the monastery, with some of the investigation dating back to the 1970s.
Lighthouse on Caldi Island. (Photo: X/Representative)
Victim of historical child sexual abuse at a monastery in southern Chaldey walestold the Daily Mail that more than 50 children were sexually abused by Catholic monks at the convent.Allegations of abuse against monks Kaldi Monastery Although the allegations have been surfacing for some time, caution has recently changed and an independent investigation has been launched into the allegations, some of which date back to the 1960s.
Caldey is less than a mile from the town of Tenby. pembrokeshire coast. It is a popular tourist destination, with thousands of people visiting each year to see the beautiful coastline and the island's historic buildings.
Father Jan Rossay was recently appointed as the monastery's new superior, an appointment that reportedly opens the door to an investigation into historical allegations.
Mr Rossi said: “Like many other organizations, Caldi Abbey has in the past faced revelations and allegations regarding the behavior of members of the monastic community towards children.”
“We take these allegations very seriously and, to protect our security commitments, we have commissioned a thorough investigation from a leading independent security consultant, British Empire Col. Jan Pickles.”
The allegations began to surface after the launch of the Caldy Island Survivors Campaign, which fights for a public inquiry into historic child sexual abuse on the island. Kevin O'Connell61, reportedly the founder of the campaign.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, O'Connell claims she was raped by a monk when she was 10 years old and witnessed “industrial abuse” of children at the convent. About 50 people have come forward alleging historic abuse by Chaldee monks after he called on others to come forward with complaints on social media.
“I was concerned that people were still being abused on the island, but there was no evidence, and a few weeks ago I received a letter,” he told the Daily Mail. “The person who wrote this, although anonymous, lives on the island and says they are a concerned resident.
“A girl was subjected to sexual harassment and misogynistic behavior. According to the residents involved, there was no investigation and the allegations were dismissed by the abbot. This shows that nothing has changed. They are lying. Tell a lie, lie, lie after lie.”
Notably, six female victims received compensation following a civil trial in which one of the monks was found to have sexually abused female victims between 1972 and 1987.