Mr. Andrew Jackson:

I thank Dr. Casey for that very powerful contribution. I would like to add to what Ms Ní Nualláin said. Not only do the victims realise what happened was not on, but when a more mature version of themselves comes to terms with the reality of what was done, it can be retraumatising. Having internalised all of that trauma, to come forward about it and discuss it with friends is a very traumatising experience. The person can go through similar emotions, if not worse, once he or she has realised what was done to him or her. During the campaign, I personally have witnessed - this is where my passion in all of this comes through in sympathising with my friends - physical reactions to relaying a story. Imagine having to do that in a cold, clinical setting such as a Garda station, where you do not know the garda or, worse, you may know the garda and that is the problem. Some of the girls close to us were considering going to Dublin to one of the crisis centres or main Garda agencies - I do not remember the correct title of it. One can imagine what it must be like for people to have to travel from some of the more western counties all the way to Dublin to tell their stories in a cold setting and during a pandemic. There needs to be some type of bridge to protect our younger people. From what I have seen, it does not get any easier when people are older, only that that they are more aware of what is available to them.