St John Ambulance Ireland (SJAI) has issued an apology to victim-survivors of sexual abuse following an independent review that revealed the incorporation of homophobic myths into the organization’s early training, facilitating grooming and predatory behavior. The review, led by child protection expert Dr. Geoffrey Shannon, was commissioned by SJAI in response to several complaints relating to sexual abuse of members under the age of 18.
Dr. Shannon was asked to assess the current safeguarding practices within the voluntary first aid organization and review the adequacy and effectiveness of the service’s response to complaints of sexual abuse within the organization. The report revealed that SJAI’s accountability systems failed to intervene or investigate suspicions or knowledge of child protection risks despite potential risks being highly visible.
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The report indicated that SJAI incorporated homophobic myths into its early child protection training, revealing a “culture of conservatism within SJAI” that focused on “myths about the relationship between homosexuality and child abuse.” According to the report, the victim-survivors suffered campaigns of sexual harassment and sexual assault, including harassment and assault of older male cadets. The report also revealed that SJAI failed to act on concerns despite knowledge of the risk posed by a former senior figure.
In the apology issued by SJAI chairman David Strahan and commissioner John Hughes, the pair apologized for the organization’s failings and the hurt caused, acknowledging that the organization’s structures facilitated grooming and predatory behavior in the past. They also accepted all recommendations made in the review, including the abandonment of all remaining military structures and cultural norms, support for those who have come forward, and enhanced communication processes for complaints.
The SJAI has confirmed its acceptance of all recommendations and has prepared an implantation plan. A new board will be constituted later this year, with a focus on safeguarding. Although SJAI has taken steps to address its past failings, the victim-survivors continue to suffer ongoing and persistent trauma because of the abuse they experienced.
