Magdalene Sisters (2002), The

Journal of Adult Protection, The, Dec 2004 by Kennedy, Margaret

As an Irish (Catholic) Christian feminist woman, what does it teach me? It teaches me not to confuse religion with faith. It teaches me to be wary of 'Church', though trusting in God. It teaches me that silence is not golden. It teaches me that unless we are on our guard such regimes will flourish. It teaches me that 'religion' can be bad for women while faith can liberate. It teaches me that there has to be secular sanction against those in ministry who abuse. Ultimately, it highlights for me that 'vulnerability' per se is often not the issue but power; that being an adult does not always protect you.

This film is important in our understanding of abuse and abusive regimes. It reminds us that work in adult protection is essential. Though the viewing was not pleasant, it shows that it is vital to be in touch with the real suffering of individuals who have been abused. If we cannot feel some of the pain, we cannot know the experience, if we cannot know the experience we will not act with vigour.

That's what happened in Ireland. No one felt the pain, except the victims themselves and they could not act at all.

References

Cooney J (1999) John Charles McQuaid - Ruler of Catholic Ireland. Dublin: O'Brien Press.

Finnegan F (2001) 'Do Penance or Perish': A Study of Magdalene Asylums in Ireland. Ireland: Congreve Press. (Paperback published by Oxford University Press, New York.)

Margaret Kennedy

Presently undertaking a PhD on clergy abuse of adult women