Ireland and the Magdalene Laundries

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Between 1922 and 1996, over 10,000 girls and women were imprisoned in Magdalene Laundries in Ireland, often labeled as 'promiscuous', burdens to their families or the state, or as victims of abuse. These individuals faced forced labor and severe psychological and physical maltreatment. This work utilizes the Irish State's report on Magdalene institutions, alongside survivor testimonies and independent accounts, to provide an in-depth examination of life within these facilities. It contextualizes the social, cultural, and political aspects of institutional survivor activism, detailing the Irish State's response, including the Ryan Report, and the formation of the Justice for Magdalenes campaign, a volunteer-driven advocacy group. The ongoing efforts of this group to enhance public understanding and research into the Laundries are documented, highlighting the state's continued evasion of responsibility to survivors and the need for a truthful account of past events. By drawing from various primary sources, the book uncovers significant flaws in the state's investigations and addresses the troubling issues surrounding the burials, exhumation, and cremation of former Magdalene women, reflecting the systemic neglect and suffering endured by these individuals.