Debs Speaks about Fornethy and Her Life

Debs is another brave survivor of abuse at Fornethy Residential School in Scotland. As a little girl, she was sent there three times, and the memories of bad treatment and much worse abuse have stayed with her over the 50 years since. The trauma and memories were to haunt Debs into her adult life, and she has struggled with alcohol and drug problems as a result. 

In recent years, Debs has had the courage and resilience to re-examine those struggles in her life, to seek help, and to work towards an internal peace and tranquillity she has previously never known. As she was making this courageous effort, she also stumbled upon online reports by other women of the abuses they had experienced at Fornethy as very young girls. 

As she made contact with other women, Debs realised that she was not alone and for the first time realised it was OK to talk about what happened to her all those years ago. She also saw the reports of the first conference for Fornethy women survivors, hosted by David and Lesley Scott and UK Column. Details are here.

Strengthened by meeting other survivors, Debs ultimately took the step to report her abuse at Fornethy to the police. Her statement is significant, and she has had to remain anonymous in this interview. 

Whilst Debs praised the police for their concern and professionalism in her interview, she was quick to highlight the overall tardiness and seeming reluctance of both the police and the Scottish Government to investigate the sheer scale of abuses at Fornethy. Whilst hundreds of women have come forward as survivors, thousands were sent to Fornethy as vulnerable young girls. When asked about justice for what happened, Debs said she would like to see all those responsible for the abuse who are still alive brought into court. She added that her story is bigger than she can say at the moment, but she will tell more when the time is right. 

Debs praised UK Column members for their generosity in donating to the Fornethy women’s cause. She revealed that the thousands of pounds raised by UK Column allowed the Fornethy women to buy huge banners for a roadside billboard campaign in Glasgow. As a result of those banners, many more Fornethy survivors came forward.  She said, “We couldn’t have done it without you”.

Debs told the important story of her life’s struggles in a simple, concise, and dignified way.  She deserves to be heard, as do all the survivors. And we should listen, out of respect, and to understand what can take place if we do not protect our children from predators freely operating within the state educational system.