Maryanne is calling for public inquiry
A child abuse survivor has submitted two petitions to the Scottish Government.
In a post on social media, Maryanne Pugsley, of Dundonald, claims she was subject to historic child sexual, emotional and psychological abuse.
She added that it took place in the 1980s in a state school in Scotland, which she says occurred between the ages of 12 and 15.
In the post, the 54- year- old said: “During this period I was frequently warned not to tell anyone because ‘ in the eyes of God we were meant to be and no one would understand just now’.
“Over the following three years the sexual and emotional and psychological abuse intensified as did my isolation.
“In the early 90s I reported these abuses to the local council whereupon the accused was suspended and moved to another local council, continuing to teach until recently.
“Two years ago I felt compelled to examine why this had been allowed to happen to me at school and why the accused continued to teach.
“This was not done for retribution but to enable my own understanding and to make sure it would not happen again to another child.
“In taking my case to the police an investigation was launched.
“Frustratingly this ended in a ‘ no comment’ interview and subsequently no trial, no conviction or changes to the system.
“Since then I have received an apology from the local council for the abuse that I suffered whilst a pupil at this school.
And she added: “I have also been offered compensation and I have instructed my solicitor to submit a review, primarily due to the prolonged and continued suffering that has infiltrated every aspect of my life both professionally and private as a result of these abuses.”
And now Maryanne has sumbitted two petitions to the Scottish Government.
She said: “The first petition is calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to endorse a public inquiry into the abuse of children within Scottish state schools, faith or otherwise.
“The second is calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to abolish the law of corroboration which requires two separate sources of evidence before a case can proceed to trial in child sexual abuse cases.
“Throughout this long and arduous 40 year journey I have been intimidated and had establishments refute any knowledge of my abuse.
“I believe that no other child, male or female should ever have to suffer sexual or any other form of abuse at the hands of an adult who betrays their position of trust and power.
“In addressing these issues I then believe as a society we could confidently say that we will be further along the road of getting it right for every child.”