In a constitutional case against the State, survivors detailed harrowing abuse at the Church-operated Lourdes Home in Għajnsielem, managed by the Dominican Sisters.

Testimonies from two women outlined sexual abuse, severe beatings, and mistreatment by the nuns, including instances of isolation and constant fear. 

One of the women recounted being coerced into inappropriate activities with a priest by Sister Josephine, while the other described Sister Josephine as a “monster” and revealed exposure to indecent acts during confession.

The survivors are pursuing compensation from the state and highlighted communication gaps, such as one of the women discovering her mother’s death two years late. The revelations exposed the destruction of files and documents related to their time at the home, raising concerns about accountability and justice.

The alleged abuse at Għajnsielem home spans decades, acknowledged by the Church in 1999, but gaining public attention in 2006. Despite a Church commission finding evidence of misconduct, subsequent inquiries faced denial and closed cases.

Survivors faced challenges in exposing the abuse, including denied access to medical files and document destruction. Investigations ensued, with a 2011 police probe into abuse claims against two nuns from Lourdes Home. The survivors’ pursuit of justice and acknowledgment is set to continue, with the case resuming in March.

#MaltaDaily