A specialised therapy group for children and families who have been affected by sexual abuse recorded a 4% increase in calls for help last year. 

CARI said its 2012 report also reveals a jump in the number of calls to their helpline relating to violent sexual assault and rape cases. 

The CARI helpline receives between 1,200 and 1,300 calls each year from adults, mothers, relatives and professionals concerned about children who may have been abused and seeking advice on how to move forward. 

Cuts in Government funding has led to a decline in the number of services the group offers, including the closure of its centre in Cork where no other specialised services are available.  

The group also saw an 11% drop in the number of therapeutic hours it was able to offer in its remaining Dublin and Limerick centres.

CEO Mary Mary Flaherty explains how the company tries to bridge the gap in funding: