The recent safeguarding review of Caldey Island has unveiled deeply troubling findings regarding the treatment of child sexual abuse victims by the monks residing there. This extensive report, commissioned by Caldey Abbey, highlights how victims endured not only the traumatic experiences of abuse but also subsequent mistreatment from those who were supposed to offer them sanctuary and support. The review underscores a haunting pattern of neglect, where allegations of abuse went unreported and subsequently obscured, allowing the perpetrator to harm children for decades without consequence.
Rebecca, one of the survivors featured in the report, eloquently articulated the tragic reality that her childhood—once filled with promises of swimming and exploring nature—was irrevocably marred by the abuse she endured on Caldey Island. She vividly recounts the grooming tactics used by Father Thaddeus Kotik, a monk who abused children from the late 1960s until 1992. These tactics included enticing vulnerable children with sweets and small gifts before subjecting them to horrific acts. Rebecca’s testimony of feeling helpless and trapped during these instances paints a harrowing picture of how the environment cultivated by the monks allowed such predation to thrive “in plain sight.”
The abbey, known for being home to Cistercian monks and a popular tourist destination off the coast of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, has missions of faith and community. Yet, this review reveals a stark contrast between those missions and the appalling treatment meted out to abuse victims. The new abbot has offered an apology for the pain endured by survivors. However, many victims feel that such apologies are insufficient, especially since some had received meager compensation without any acknowledgment of their suffering or a sincere apology, rendering those payments akin to “hush money.”
The review further criticizes the abbey’s historical handling of abuse allegations, pointing out that multiple claims were not appropriately reported to the authorities, leading to a culture of silence that perpetuated the suffering of many children. Survivors experienced not just the aftermath of their abuse but compounded trauma that resulted from feeling disregarded by the very entities that failed to protect them. The lack of action based on allegations was a significant red flag that the abbey ignored, highlighting a gross failure of leadership.
Jan Pickles, the report’s author, described the response from the abbey to the victims as heartless and inadequate. The failures were not just institutional; they were deeply personal for every individual affected. As Rebecca expressed, the repeated dismissals and the overall attitude within the abbey added layers of trauma, making recovery significantly more difficult. The review has recommended several essential changes to ensure a more compassionate and accountable approach to safeguarding in the future.
The review calls attention to the presence of other sex offenders on the island, including individuals like Paul Ashton, who operated under a false identity while exploiting vulnerabilities within the community. Such revelations add gravity to the already critical need for systemic change in how the abbey and its leadership address allegations of abuse.
Father Jan Rossey, the new abbott, has pledged to prioritize safeguarding measures moving forward, expressing a commitment to transparency and the correct reporting of any allegations. While he has articulated remorse for past lapses, it remains to be seen how these pledges will translate into meaningful change within the monastery’s culture and operations.
The report lays out recommendations that aim to redefine the practices surrounding child protection within their community, a necessity to restore faith and trust among both current residents and future visitors to Caldey Island. Ultimately, this review serves as a stark reminder of the profound vulnerabilities that exist in institutions meant to provide solace and care, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance and accountability in the safeguarding of children.
