My mum died three years ago. My dad died, in 1981, not long after I came back from Uganda, where I worked for a couple of years as a Verona Brother.

If my mum and dad were alive today, and, if, they had become aware of the Mirfield abuse that took place – not only in the 1970’s, but also, as it now seems, throughout the 1960’s – they would feel totally betrayed, devastated and saddened in a way that words, from me , cannot begin to describe.

There are men, I am communicating with, that tell me they are unable to ‘go public’ about their experience at Mirfield, because, either, one or both of their parents are still alive. It would be too difficult for their parents to comprehend and accept what their children experienced. Their parent’s pain would be enormous. They prefer, therefore, to remain silent “until they have died”

People often ask, why those that were being abused did not report the abuse, or at least talk to their family about what was happening to them, why wait decades before they talk?
It can be a monumental and courageous task, to talk about the abuse suffered, and even more, I believe, to write about it on the internet. It can take years and years to come to that position. I hope the blog gives, those people, that have not been able to talk or write about what they experienced at Mirfield, the message of support, solidarity and courage, and more importantly the knowledge that they are not alone.

Thanks,

Mark Murray