Over the last two decades, historical abuse in state and religiously-operated institutions has come under scrutiny around the world.

The island of Ireland (Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (RoI)) has had a large number of investigations, redress schemes or apologies regarding historical institutional abuse (HIA) against women and children, some of which are ongoing. Many of these efforts have been criticised by victims/survivors, in particular for inadequate or unimplemented recommendations or practices. 

Media reports suggest that these efforts to address past abuses have failed to bring justice or healing for survivors or hold responsible individuals and the state to account. Activist academic research and advocacy in both NI and ROI continues to collaborate with and empower survivors and seeks to inform and shape policies and practices of governments and churches, by offering significant and survivor-led alternatives.