Ireland and the Magdalene Laundries

More about the book

Between 1922 and 1996, over 10,000 girls and women were imprisoned in Magdalene Laundries, often labeled as 'promiscuous,' burdens to families or the state, survivors of sexual abuse, or unmarried mothers. They endured forced labor alongside psychological and physical maltreatment. This book utilizes the Irish State's own report on Magdalene institutions, survivor testimonies, and independent witness accounts to provide a comprehensive account of life within these high-walled facilities. It explores the social, cultural, and political contexts of institutional survivor activism, detailing the Irish State's response, which culminated in The Ryan Report, and the formation of the Justice for Magdalenes campaign—a volunteer-run advocacy group for survivors. The book highlights the ongoing efforts of this group to enhance public understanding and research into the Magdalene Laundries, emphasizing the Irish State's continued evasion of its responsibilities to survivors and the necessity for a truthful historical account. By examining various primary sources, it reveals significant flaws in the state's investigation and addresses the troubling issues surrounding the burials, exhumations, and cremations of former Magdalene women, which reflect the systemic neglect and suffering they endured. The authors are donating all royalties in the name of the women held in the Magdalenes to EPIC (Empowering People in Care).