'Let out the poison' - new study aims to find the truth on NI abuse

Tony Gribben describes "cowering like a dog", as he was "beaten down" by his ab at his boarding school.

"The violence meted out on me was both physical and sexual," Mr Gribben said.

Many survivors want an independent public inquiry into the abuse they suffered by clergy and other religious leaders in Northern Ireland.

The devolved Northern Ireland government is now considering how to deal with the issue and has commissioned a study, which Mr Gribben describes as a "critical step forward".

Warning: This page contains distressing details

The research is gathering the stories of survivors of abuse in what are termed "faith settings" – which can include churches, schools and other places where clergy and leaders in religious organisations abused children.

Mr Gribben said the abuses he suffered began during his first year in boarding school.

"It started with beatings around the head. On reflection, I understand this was part of his tactics – beating me down," Mr Gribben said.

"Then it moved on to general sexual assault – like hands down sweaters, fondling, kissing – and culminated in extreme sexual violence."

Mr Gribben was abused by Father Malachy Finegan, who died in 2002.

He was accused of multiple sexual assaults on boys, including at St Colman's College in Newry, County Down, where he became headteacher.

But he was never prosecuted or questioned by police.

Mr Gribben and the survivor network, the Dromore Group, want an independent public inquiry into clerical abuse in Northern Ireland.