Over 500 sexual abuse survivors have sought support from the One-in-Four charity since the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Schools was published.
One-in-Four, Ireland's leading support organisation for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, has released it's annual report.
The organisation, delivered 6,562 sessions to 856 individuals in 2023, with the waiting list for treatment increasing by 42% to 118 clients.
Therapy sessions, both individual and group, were delivered to 341 clients in the same year, with 515 abuse survivors offered specialised supported through the legal process.
The charity said 500 people have come forward seeking support since the scoping inquiry into school sex abuse report was published last month.
"Heartening and alarming"
One-in-Four CEO Deirdre Kenny said the surge in demand is "both heartening and alarming."
Ms Kenny said that, while it is essential for Ireland to confront "historical systemic failures", we must also tackle contemporary challenges, "particularly in the digital space".
The charity is calling for a robust system to help prevent future child sex abuse cases by protecting children online.
It comes after Coimisiún na Meán introduced a new online safety code to protect children on social platforms like Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.
One in Four's Advocacy Case Manager Naomi Gould says it's vital that Government supports the plan.
"We need an adaptive, robust legal framework to meet the changing landscape of child safety and that's to, I guess, ensure that both are receiving the support that they need and deserve, but also that current and future children are also protected," she said.
Driving Change
Ms Kenny said the charity is working to share stories of "resilience, hope, and the urgent need for change".
"Every number represents a life impacted and it's our collective responsibility to ensure that survivors receive the support they need and deserve, and children now and into the future are protected," she said.
The 2023 report was officially launched by Justice Minister Helen McEntee today.
If you've been affected by subjects covered within this article, please contact One-in-Four on 01 66 24070.
Boy covering face with hands. Image: Yevhen Polishko / Alamy Stock Photo
