Christy commended by abuse charity

A LEADING voluntary organisation that provides support for children and families affected by sexual abuse has praised cancer stricken Aslan singer Christy Dignam for opening up about his past.

Christy spoke frankly about his own experience of abuse during a recent interview with RTE’s John Murray. He was speaking from Beaumont Hospital where he was undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with cancer last month.

The Finglas band’s frontman told Murray how he had been assaulted as a child and explained why he’s convinced it played a major part in his problems with drug abuse later in life.

After the attack at the man’s house, during which he was tied to a chair, Christy says his life changed forever.

“When I left, it wasn’t the actual molestation; I had all this fear and shame and I knew something was wrong,

? he said.

“But I thought I had done something wrong.

?

Christy felt so bad after the abuse that he lied to his pals, who had been waiting for him outside the house where he was attacked, about what had happened.

“It was the first significant lie I ever told in my life,

? he said.

“At that moment I turned, and that’s when all that blackness came into me life.

?

The singer went on to describe how in later life he was tormented by an unquenchable gnawing, empty feeling in his stomach.

“When I took heroin for the first time, that feeling left me,

? he continued.

“Now I knew how an ordinary person feels.

?

Tragically, the drugs had a serious impact on Christy’s life and he says it’s only now, after being struck down with a life-threatening illness, that he’s coming to terms with his past.

“I’ve a focus in life now,

? he said.

“You’re going to see a new man when I come out of here.

?

The singer’s openness was commended by CARI who say it dramatically highlights the impact of sexual abuse.

“Christy’s story brings to life the messages CARI campaigns on; namely, the impact of child sexual abuse individually and on families and society,

? CARI’s CEO Mary Flaherty said.

“We must have adequate services for children and ensure early intervention and family support services for those affected by child sexual abuse if we are to halt the cycle of future mental health and addiction problems so honestly described by Christy.

“I want to thank Christy on behalf of the thousands of new child victims who disclose each year, every year, and still face inadequate or no services and need spokesmen like Christy. I also want to wish him the very best in his fight against cancer which he is facing so bravely and inspiringly.

?

National and international research has shown the impact of sexual abuse if it goes untreated. According to CARI, sexual abuse distorts a child’s sense of self, their relationship with others, their view of the world and reality, and their development.

The abuse can manifest itself in a range of ways such as depression, isolation, self-harm or substance abuse.