North's Abuse Victims 'Harassed By Lawyers'

There has been criticism of some sectors of the legal profession today with a controversial statement from the First and Deputy First Minister's Office at Stormont.

It said that "intense pressure" from law firms has led to some victims of institutional sexual abuse even being hospitalised.

The hard-hitting claims came from the two Junior Ministers, the DUP MLA Jonathan Bell and his Sinn Fein colleague, Martina Anderson.

They are alleging that unscrupulous members of the legal profession are preying on the victims and are attempting to 'cash-in' on their plight - hoping to win a share of lucrative legal business - no matter how hard they have to press the victims to reach an agreement on representation.

They alleged victims had been made both physically and mentally ill following so-called 'harassment by lawyers'.

Mr Bell was commenting after the Stormont Executive last month announced the scope of an inquiry into allegations of abuse in children's homes and care institutions as far back as 1945.

Mr Bell and his Sinn Fein colleague Martina Anderson said both solicitors' companies and lobbying groups were responsible for approaching victims.

The DUP Minister said that in some cases face-to-face contact had continued despite victims telling those approaching them to stop.

Junior Minister Bell said: "This is totally unacceptable behaviour from organisations and individuals supposedly working with the best interests of victims at heart.

"We call on those organisations to desist immediately and allow victims the space they need."

Junior Minister Anderson said: "Given the events of recent weeks, many victims are in a highly emotional and vulnerable state.

"The actions of certain organisations are potentially having a serious impact on the health of some of the victims.

"As a result, we have instructed our officials to provide emergency counselling and support for those victims who have been contacted," she added.

The Ministers concluded by saying that they did not wish to deny any organisation the right to contact or advise victims but emphasised that any organisation contacting victims has a responsibility to place the needs of victims first and to act in a sensitive and supportive manner.

Ministers also intend to raise this issue with the Law Society immediately, however, they told BBC NI this morning that they had received no such contacts.

(BMcC/GK)