Fiona Ryan, commissioner for survivors of institutional childhood abuse, informed the Executive Office Committee at Stormont that support requirements for victims of historical institutional abuse will grow as they age. She noted survivors' fears of returning to state care in old age due to past experiences.

Ryan presented a report based on input from over 100 victims and survivors. The document details widespread chronic physical and mental health issues affecting nearly all aspects of their lives. Survivors depend heavily on general practitioners but often hesitate to access medical services. The report also addresses under-researched intergenerational trauma specific to Northern Ireland.

She stressed the necessity for lifelong general and specialist supports. Ryan highlighted risks of further trauma in adulthood from domestic and other abuse. Concerns extend to family relationships and transgenerational effects not yet examined.

The 2017 Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry, chaired by Sir Anthony Hart, documented sexual, physical and emotional abuse in institutions from 1922 to 1995. It called for compensation, a permanent memorial and an official apology.

Sinn Fein MLA Caral Ni Chuilin and TUV MLA Timothy Gaston raised the idea of a prevalence survey to assess abuse scale. Ni Chuilin pointed to underreporting in certain communities due to distrust of authorities. Gaston noted gaps in data on abuse locations.

Ryan endorsed a prevalence study to better grasp historical and other institutional child abuse in Northern Ireland. She advocated systemic responses over fragmented approaches to meet survivors' needs.