The public is being urged to fund the ISPCC this Christmas by logging onto ispcc.ie to make donations.
Saoirse Ronan. Photo: Getty
Fourteen children a week are calling Childline due to sexual abuse and more than 100 annually reach out about incest, new data reveals.
The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) released the figures today on World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.
Actor Saoirse Ronan, who is supporting the ISPCC’s Christmas appeal, said: “For too many children and young people, Christmas doesn’t mean presents or a happy day full of warmth and safety. Instead, it means abuse, neglect and loneliness.
“It breaks my heart to know that it can be nothing but a living nightmare for many of our young people across this country.”
The charity said 260 children annually were calling Childline about violence in the home. Others call the free 24-7 phone line regularly reporting being forced to watch and even make pornography.
The ISPCC said the grooming of children for sexual exploitation was becoming increasingly common. Last winter, 5,000 children called Childline for help.
Childline data shows 40pc of children who turn to Childline about sexual abuse have been groomed by sexual predators.
One 11-year-old girl reported “living in a state of constant terror” because her mother – who was involved in prostitution – was drugging her with anti-anxiety medication and allowing men to abuse the child at hotels.
Another teenage girl reported her mother forcing her to participate in sex acts with men for drugs.
Meanwhile, a 13-year-old girl was blackmailed by criminals she met online, who stalked her and made threats to kill her parents. The criminals blackmailed the child into creating pornographic videos and images.
Caroline O’Sullivan, director of services at the ISPCC, said: “We’re in the midst of a crisis and we’re hearing about it all the more regularly in the media too. Recently we learned of a case where the most heinous crimes were committed within a community and by a person in a position of trust. The bravery and courage of the children and young people who turn to Childline for support is insurmountable and it is imperative that we continue to always be there for them. By supporting our appeal, the public can help us protect children.”
You can reach out to Childline freephone on: 1800 66 66 66 or log on to chat to someone on Childline.ie.
