Decades of Abuse: Victims Speak Out Against Former Teacher
A Shadow Over Childhood
A former teacher and principal has been sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison for the systematic sexual abuse of nine boys. The sentencing brought some measure of justice for those who endured horrific abuse while under his care.
One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the lasting impact of the abuse during his time at the Abbey Christian Brothers primary school in Newry in the 1970s. “He was like a dark shadow,” the man said, recalling the fear and intimidation. He described how Dunleavy would take advantage of classroom routines, calling him over during reading time to put his hand between the boy’s legs.
The victim recalled one instance where he resisted. “Right, that’s it – everybody back to class; you all know who to blame,” Dunleavy reacted after his advances were denied, landing the boy in trouble with his peers.
He believes he was targeted for his poverty. “The people in class with uniforms – he never bothered them,” the man explained. “I did not know he was doing wrong; I did not know it was wrong,” the victim shared, adding, “It was only when you got older and the boys in secondary school were asking: ‘Well, did Dunleavy get you?’ … I hated myself, my life. I hated my name, I hated how I looked.”
He said he carried a deep sense of sadness and responsibility. “If I had been brave and spoken up and said something that would have saved these boys, people younger than me.”
The impact echoes in a similar pattern experienced by another victim who attended St Aidan’s primary school on the Whiterock Road in west Belfast.
“He was like a dark shadow, always around, at football matches, in changing rooms, but always in the background” recounted the man, now a recovered alcoholic who started drinking at twelve.
Dunleavy’s actions left him feeling worthless and damaged his relationships with women. “There were ‘lots of incidents,” he said. He remembers one specific incident in the school storeroom where Dunleavy put him on his knee and said, “This is what you do with your girlfriend.”
He attributed the trauma to fuel his descent into alcoholism until he turned to Alcoholics Anonymous for help. “When we were drinking in the fields, you know, someone would start crying,” he shared. “‘Oh, here we go,’ and someone would say, ‘Oh, it must be Dunleavy.'”
Dunleavy, already serving time for previous convictions of sexual offenses against children in his care, showed little emotion as the additional sentence was handed down. Judge Patrick Lynch criticized, stating, “In this case the world would have been in a better place had he not served a lifetime in religious and public service.”
Diverse voices
What long-term psychological effects can survivors of childhood sexual abuse, like those mentioned in the interview, experience even after the abuser is convicted?
## Interview: Seeking Justice After Decades of Abuse
**Host:** Today we’re discussing the case of a former teacher and principal, recently sentenced to an additional 10 years for the sexual abuse of nine boys. This brings closure to a dark chapter for the victims, but the psychological scars remain. Joining us is [Guest Name], a legal advocate for victims of abuse. Welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** This case has shocked many, revealing the horrific abuse endured by these young boys under the care of someone entrusted with their education. What are your initial thoughts on this case?
**Guest:** It’s a tragic reminder that abuse can occur anywhere, even in places we consider safe. It takes immense courage for survivors to come forward, especially after decades of silence. Cases like this underline the importance of supporting victims and holding abusers accountable, no matter how much time has passed.
**Host:** One victim, who bravely chose to remain anonymous, spoke about the lasting impact of the abuse, describing the perpetrator as a “dark shadow” who instilled fear and intimidation. How common is it for abusers to use tactics like this to control their victims?
**Guest:** Sadly, it is quite common. Abusers often use manipulation, threats, and intimidation to maintain control and silence their victims. They might exploit power dynamics, like a teacher-student relationship, to create an environment where the victim feels trapped and afraid to speak out. [[1](https://www.casebarnettlaw.com/library/physical-abuse-from-teachers.cfm)]
**Host:** The victim also mentioned feeling targeted due to poverty. Does socioeconomic status play a role in making individuals more vulnerable to abuse?
**Guest:** Absolutely. Poverty can create an environment where children are more isolated, lack access to support systems, and may feel more powerless to resist abuse. Abusers often target those they perceive as vulnerable, making socioeconomic status a contributing factor in some cases.
**Host:** What resources are available for survivors of abuse who are seeking justice and healing?
**Guest:** There are many organizations dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse. These can provide legal aid, counseling, support groups, and advocacy services. It’s crucial for survivors to know they are not alone and there is help available.
**Host:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue and for your work in advocating for survivors.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**(End Interview)**
