Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TRAGIC ELISHA WAS ABUSED SAYS MUM
Teen found in river targeted by man in ‘position of power’
THE mother of tragic teenager Elisha Gault yesterday claimed the 14-year-old had been sexually abused.
The Tipperary schoolgirl’s body was recovered from the River Suir on March 25, near her home of Carrick-on-suir, after she had been missing for eight days.
Elisha’s mum Grainne Gault, originally from Belfast, has now revealed the teen had attempted suicide before after being bullied online.
Ms Gault also alleged her daughter had been abused by a man “in a position of trust” as a young child. Writing on Facebook, the heartbroken mother said she learnt of the abuse when Elisha started “acting out” six years ago. Ms Gault wrote: “Without knowing why, Elisha began to struggle from 2012. She withdrew and her behaviour changed and we became increasingly concerned. “Myself and her father were extremely active in her life. Even though we split in 2010, we had a great co-parenting model and Elisha was very close to her father and adored him.
“After a few years of trying to understand why Elisha had been acting out, she finally disclosed that in 2012, she was sexually abused by a person known to her and in a position of trust.
“She was one of five victims at the hands of the same man.” The devastated
ON HIS LATEST CHALLENGE
mum also opened up about Elisha’s previous attempt to take her life last year.
She added: “Elisha was subjected to a cyber-bullying incident that resulted in her locking herself in an attempt to end her suffering.” Ms Gault said she was speaking out about her daughter’s ordeal to change victim support services and raise awareness of suicide.
She added: “This one is for you baby girl because you were so caring in nature and hated to see anybody hurting and even through your own plight you still tried to be a fun and friendly influence for those around you, who are missing you greatly.”