VIDEO: 'Stormont failures a further abuse for victims' - SAVIA
The leading victims' charity SAVIA claims Stormont's failure to legislate for survivors of historical abuse is a further abuse against those affected.
Last updated 13th May 2019
Margaret McGuckin from the charity, told Downtown/Cool FM News politicians should 'have that on their conscience.'
It comes as the head of the NI Civil Service, David Sterling, has written a letter to Secretary of State Karen Bradley to recommend that she push through legislation at Westminster to compensate victims.
A recent public consultation with over 500 responses informed that decision.
The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry, chaired by Sir Anthony Hart, closed two years ago with the proposal to compensate survivors.
However, the Assembly collapsed before those could be carried through and the situation has been in stasis since.
Up until this point, Karen Bradley has been reluctant to intervene, calling it a 'devolved matter.'
However, Margaret said it has simply gone on for too long, with tragic consequences.
"This abuse is not historic," she said.
"With the Stormont parties turning their back on these vulnerable people, it is a further abuse.
"I hope they can live with that on their conscience.
"Why should we suffer in the middle of their fallout?
"So many of our people have passed away awaiting for justice."
Since the Inquiry closed two years ago, it's believed around 30 victims have passed away without ever seeing redress or justice.
Ms McGuckin was scathing when it came to the inaction on the Secretary of State's part.
She told our Chief Reporter Damien Edgar Karen Bradley has been 'useless' so far.
"She doesn't get involved, she just repeats the rhetoric that it's a devolved matter," Margaret said.
"When I met her last year she said the same and couldn't wait to get out of the room.
"But we will be demanding that she does her job and takes this legislation through Westminster."