WITHERWACK HOUSE SUNDERLAND: SURVIVOR REVEALS HORRORS OF CHILD ABUSE IN CARE HOMES

In February 2003, a significant legal development unfolded concerning the long-standing allegations of child abuse at Sunderland's now-demolished care home, Witherwack House, and other facilities across Wearside and the North East. A group of fifteen individuals, who claim they endured severe mistreatment during their time in Sunderland council-run care homes, have successfully secured compensation through out-of-court settlements. These victims received sums ranging from as little as £1,000 to as much as £50,000, prior to a scheduled civil court test case set for the following week.

These fifteen claimants are part of a larger group of sixty individuals who allege that their lives were profoundly damaged by their experiences at Witherwack House, which closed a decade ago, as well as at twenty-four other care homes in the region. The allegations brought against Sunderland City Council include a wide spectrum of abuse, from physical violence and sexual assault to emotional neglect and psychological torment. Despite the gravity of these accusations, the council has maintained a stance of denial, refusing to accept liability for the alleged abuses.

Legal representatives, including solicitor Brian Puech of Richard Reed, expressed cautious optimism about the potential for similar settlements for an additional forty-five claimants. Puech remarked, “The council hasn’t made a formal admission of liability, but the fact that they have settled the claims speaks for itself. I’d say it’s something they could’ve done some time ago, but didn’t. It’s a pity it had to come as far as it has, but it’s still very good news for these people. Even if liability hasn’t been admitted, it’s a recognition that something went on that shouldn’t have done.”

The legal action represents the largest of its kind in the North East, originating from a series of disturbing incidents dating back to the early 1990s. In 1993, two care workers at Witherwack House were found guilty of child cruelty, marking a dark chapter in the home's history. Further complicating the case, four former social workers involved with the home were acquitted three years ago after a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, which dismissed their charges due to unreliable witness statements from incidents that occurred up to two decades earlier.

Many of the victims’ stories reveal a pattern of systemic abuse and neglect, with some recounting harrowing personal experiences. One survivor, Brian Clare, detailed his traumatic journey from childhood into adulthood, illustrating the profound and lasting impact of his time in Sunderland’s care system. Born on January 23, 1968, Clare was taken into care at the age of nine, in 1977, due to behavioral issues linked to ADHD, and spent years moving between various homes and assessment centers, including Emsworth House and a notorious Sunderland home, before leaving care just before his sixteenth birthday.

Clare’s account describes daily abuse, including physical violence, sexual assault, and degrading treatment. He recalls being subjected to frequent beatings, including being dragged by staff by his neck, punched, and even having his thumb bent backwards until it touched his forearm—an act that caused him lasting pain. He also describes witnessing a girl being raped at Witherwack House, an incident he tried to intervene in but was beaten senseless for his efforts. Clare’s narrative underscores the brutal environment that many children endured, with some being encouraged to engage in sexual acts under threat of further violence.

He vividly recalls the sexual abuse inflicted by a male staff member, a former priest, who fondled him and forced him to perform sexual acts, including rape, which caused him intense pain and trauma. Clare’s memories include being subjected to cruel punishments, such as being made to wear a dunce hat, being left naked for extended periods, and experiencing psychological torment that has haunted him into adulthood. His account highlights the systemic failure of the social services and the authorities, who he believes were fully aware of the abuse but failed to intervene.

Clare’s story is emblematic of the broader issues surrounding institutional abuse in Sunderland’s care homes. His experiences have driven him to become an advocate against child abuse, campaigning for awareness and justice. Despite receiving damages, he emphasizes that what he truly seeks is justice for the victims and accountability from those responsible. His testimony, along with others, continues to shed light on the dark history of Sunderland’s care system, prompting ongoing investigations and legal actions aimed at addressing past wrongs and preventing future abuse.