Cases were often ignored, or concealed by hierarchy in the institution. “The victims are numerous, but no one has ever believed their testimonies.” Even though many children came forward at the time of their abuse, even if their cases made it to court, they were often thrown out. “Things are hushed up, victims are passed off as crazy, to the point where they dare not speak.” Now, the secret can no longer be contained within abbey walls, but for those victims who came forward years ago, and had their cases thrown out, the botched investigations are more than just an error: Melanie, who was assaulted at 12, asserts, “I was dead inside, I had to actually try for justice, to make myself heard, to speak.”