One In Four Launches 2023 Annual Report
PRESS RELEASE
October 24, 2024
One in Four, Ireland’s leading support organisation for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, has released its 2023 Annual Report, revealing a significant demand for services. and highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive supports but also widespread changes in how we perceive, discuss, and address childhood sexual abuse.
“The past year has been one of unprecedented challenges, but also of profound revelations about the pervasive nature of childhood sexual abuse in Ireland,” said Deirdre Kenny, CEO of One in Four. “Our 2023 report underscores the critical importance of our work and the urgent need for societal change in how we address this issue.”
The organisation, delivered 6,562 sessions to 856 individuals in 2023, with the waiting list for treatment increasing by 42 per cent to 118 clients.
A Surge in Demand
The release of this report comes at a critical juncture, as One in Four is currently undertaking a significant response to the increase in demand following the publication last month of the Scoping Inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools. Since the report’s release on September 3, 2024, over 500 people have come forward seeking support, underscoring the deep-seated impact of childhood sexual abuse in Irish society. “The surge in demand we’ve experienced, particularly following the publication of the scoping inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools, is both heartening and alarming,” Deirdre Kenny noted. “It shows that more survivors are coming forward, but also highlights the scale of the problem we face as a society.”
Comprehensive Support Services
One in Four’s multifaceted approach includes several key programmes:
- Advocacy Programme | Offering specialised support through legal processes. Delivered 3,054 sessions to 515 people in 2023. This programme has a national reach, with 41% of clients from Dublin and 46% from the rest of Ireland. Notably, 48% of advocacy clients were male, highlighting the importance of support for all genders
- Therapy Programme | Delivered 3,327 individual and group sessions in 2023 to 341 clients.
- Abuse Survivors | 135 survivors attended one on one therapy last year while a further 118 who were supported while on our waiting list for therapy
- Prevention Programme | This programme works with individuals who have sexually offended, including those without convictions, as a core child protection strategy with 68 undertaking the programme last year
- Family Psychoeducation Groups | 20 people took part in our family psychoeducation groups in 2023. The groups aim to address shame and stigma, and help families understand and support affected members
‘’One in Four’s comprehensive approach is designed to address the complex and diverse needs of our clients Deirdre Kenny explained. “We believe that only by tackling this issue from all angles can we hope to create lasting change.”
Driving Change
As we confront historical systemic failures, we must also tackle contemporary challenges, particularly in the digital space. This requires a societal shift in how we approach online safety for children and a robust, adaptive legal framework that can effectively keep children safe in a rapidly changing online world’’
‘’As we launch this report’’ Deirdre Kenny concluded. “We’re sharing 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”
Read the 2023 report at this link.
Ends
