Sex abuse in churches: Campaigner who was indecently assaulted as a child launches legal action in bid to secure public inquiry
A campaigner who was indecently assaulted as a child by a youth leader has launched legal action in a bid to secure a public inquiry into sexual abuse within churches in Northern Ireland.
Nikella Holmes is challenging the Executive Office over failing to take a decision on research recommendations for a tribunal on attacks carried out in non-residential settings.
Papers lodged at the High Court in Belfast claim the First Minister and Deputy First Minister are in breach of common law obligations and human rights legislation.
Ms Holmes, one of dozens of abuse survivors who took part in the Stormont commissioned research, said she feels “used” by the lack of progress.
“People came forward to relive the most horrible thing that happened in their lives, just to help the Executive make a decision, and now there has been no communication,” she stated.
Ms Holmes, 34, previously waived her right to anonymity to speak out about the man who abused her.
Former fire chief Gary Thompson targeted her while she was a teenager at a community church in Ballymena, Co Antrim in 2006.
The 57-year-old, who was a youth leader in the church, groomed and preyed on her over a period of months.
In December last year Thompson, from Rogan Wood in Newtownabbey, received an eight-month prison sentence after he admitted two counts of indecent assault.
Ms Holmes was among those who participated in research by the Interdepartmental Working Group (IDWG) on Historical Clerical Child Abuse - established back in 2016.
The group collected accounts from those abused in faith-based settings such as churches, schools and other locations where leaders in religious organisations could operate.
Safeguarding policies and records held by public bodies were examined.
Earlier this year the IDWG made a number of recommendations to the First and Deputy First Minister, including the establishment of a public inquiry, according to Ms Holmes’ lawyers.
They are now seeking a judicial review of the alleged unlawful delay by the Executive Office in taking action.
Solicitor Aine Rice, of KRW Law, insisted that a decision on holding a public inquiry into safeguarding and historical clerical abuse in non-residential settings is overdue.
“This is not just about one client. Hundreds of survivors have waited for over a decade for clarity and justice,” she said.
“Survivors deserve transparency, accountability, and a clear commitment from government.”
According to Ms Holmes there has been ongoing apathy in tackling the issues.
“The research heard stories of abuse from all denominations in Northern Ireland,” she added.
“Stormont has an opportunity to provide a public inquiry which would expose the truth… but it would be hard not to feel anything other than used.
“We brought forward all our stories, hoping they would make a change and make things better, but it now seems like we are being ignored.”