Child sexual abuse by Monk spanning four decades unfolds in recent investigation

For four decades, monk, Father Thaddeus Kotik, was sexually abusing children on Caldey Island located off the Welsh Coast. He would target residents and guests of the island whom it was reported that he would groom, rape and sexually assault both boys and girls which began when he arrived at the island in the late 1940s. Kotik was not prosecuted before his death in 1992. Kotik has also been alleged to have acted as a contact for other perpetrators. Four men than have either been convicted or suspected of sexual offences stayed on the island for a significant period. 

Survivors of the abuse describe being taken by Kotik to beaches, woods and gardens and some saying they had been sexually abused several times a day. 

The Abbott was aware of the allegations that had been brought against Kotik in 1980 by a family however nothing had been done in order to prevent further abuse. The police or the children’s services were not informed and the Abbott simply ordered for the monk to remain in the monastery precinct. 

On one occasion, an adult witness had seen Kotik sexually abuse a girl and he had written to the Abbott advising how this cannot go on. This was simply dismissed, and the witness was told not to tell the police considering Kotik’s age, health and the impact it would have on him. On another occasion a survivor had confided in his priest in the confessional and the priest told the child that he would go to hell if this was ever revealed to anyone else. 

The review which looked at allegations from the late 1960s to 1992, carried out by a former assistant police and crime commissioner has made recommendations in order to improve the safeguarding at the island. These include:

• 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.

The report goes on to say, ‘Lack of inquiry left the abbey open to unknown risks, which on a tourist island that necessarily welcomes others appears to the reviewer to be reckless.”

When it announced the review in April, Caldey Abbey said it was under new leadership and was committed to transparency, openness and healing. It said it was commissioning the review with the intention to “build a safe environment for everyone”.

Jordans Solicitors – helping victims of sexual abuse claim compensation.

If you have been a victim of physical and/or sexual abuse and would like to speak to one of our Specialist Abuse Lawyers in confidence, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the available options for pursuing a Criminal Injuries Compensation Claim and/or civil damages claim.

Our Sexual Abuse Compensation Team can be contacted by telephoning 08009555094 or 03303001103.