Monk abused children for decades on Welsh island ‘in plain sight’, review says

Thaddeus Kotik groomed, raped and sexually assaulted boys and girls on Caldey Island despite repeated complaints

A monk was able to abuse children for four decades on an island off the Welsh coast despite operating in “plain sight” and despite his victims’ repeated complaints, an independent review has concluded.

Father Thaddeus Kotik groomed, raped and sexually assaulted boys and girls on Caldey Island, which is home to a community of Cistercian monks and a popular destination for day trippers.

To protect all parties, contact between the monastic community and the visiting public be formalised and informal contact should cease – including selfies.

The current safeguarding arrangements should be strengthened by the addition of a survivor or survivors of child sexual abuse to sit on the board of the island.

The appointment of an independent visiting designated safeguarding professional.

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