TUESDAY 8TH JULY 2025
PRESS RELEASE:
One in Four welcomes the Government’s move to formally approve a Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Child Sexual abuse in schools across Ireland from 1927 to 2013. We note the appointment of Mr Justice Michael MacGrath as Chairperson and wish him every success in leading this crucial work.
Deirdre Kenny, CEO of One in Four, said:
“The scale of this Commission of Investigation reflects the thousands of lives affected and the deep impact on families and communities for generations. We recognise the complexity of the Commission’s work and what it represents for survivors and for Irish society.”
One in Four welcomes the commitment to a broad and inclusive approach, covering all schools and with a definition of concerns of sexual abuse that includes formal allegations, information and witnessed behaviours. By investigating how concerns and allegations of child sexual abuse were handled by schools, religious bodies and state agencies, we hope the Commission will uncover the failures to prevent sexual abuse, identify lessons for the future, whilst ensuring that the voices of those affected lead to meaningful change.
Deirdre Kenny added:
“Examining how concerns were managed is vital for understanding past failures and building a safer, more accountable future for all children.”
Given the scale of the issue, we recognise that not every individual case can be investigated. We urge the Commission to ensure its sampling methods are transparent so that all survivors and the wider public can understand how cases are selected and trust that the process is fair, open, and accountable.
It is important to say this Commission of Investigation is not an alternative route to justice for survivors, its focus is on examining how concerns were handled and learn from past failures.
The Survivor Engagement Programme, while not a legal process, offers survivors a confidential and supportive space to share the impact of their experiences, ensuring their voices inform the Commission’s recommendations.
We are concerned that the issue of redress will be further delayed. While we appreciate this is complex, survivors have shown immense resilience and patience; therefore, we are concerned about any further delay. Delays disadvantage survivors and may allow institutions to avoid accountability and responsibility.
If anyone needs support, please do not hesitate in contacting us in confidence on 01- 662 4070, Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm or if any person needs support urgently, please reach out to the national helpline 1800 77 88 88 available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
#OneinFour #ChildSexualAbuse #CSA
For more information, please contact Kathrina Bentley, kathrina@oneinfour.ie or 083 840 8665.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. One in Four Ireland is an Irish non-governmental organisation.
2. Our mission:
• At One in Four we work together to end child sexual abuse by providing expert-led support to survivors; innovating prevention strategies; and empowering societal responsibility.
3. One in Four offers a comprehensive, wrap around service model designed to support survivors of child sexual abuse.
4. Our approach integrates multiple services to ensure our response to the impact is coordinated and addresses diverse needs.
5. We provide a safe space for families to understand and address the dynamics that allowed the abuse to happen.
6. Our services include:
• Counselling / Psychotherapy for survivors (Individual)
• Support group for survivors and their family members (Group)
• Advocacy support
• Prevention programmes
• Accredited training for professionals
7. In 2023 One in Four, Ireland, delivered 6,562 sessions to 856 individuals, across our advocacy and psychotherapy services.
8. The child population of Ireland is currently approx. 1.2 million children (under 18’s).
How to respond to a survivor of child sexual abuse. July 2025.
The value of being a good listener is underrated.
If you don’t know what to say, it’s ok to be quiet and let the victim/survivor know you are glad they found the strength to confide in you.
Your responses can make a difference.
Let the victim/survivor know that you believe them and just listen rather than asking questions.
Let them know that you will be there for them now and in the future, that nothing is going to change in your relationship, and that your view of them has not changed.
Avoid suggesting actions, it’s important that the victim/survivor feels in control of what happens next.
The impact of the abuse can be overwhelming for some victim/survivors, so it’s helpful if you can avoid marked displays of shock or rage.
It helps if you can convey that you care, but you are not overwhelmed.
If a victim/survivor is telling you about their experience, it suggests that they already trust you.
Shame can be a debilitating impact of child sexual abuse, so the victim/survivor may be acutely aware of any statements that inadvertently criticise or imply they should have told someone sooner. Understand that disclosure is a big step, it takes some people several decades to overcome the conditioning of the person who abused them and find their voice.
They have done their best.
Victims/survivors have a strength and resilience that others are perhaps lucky enough to never have had to find in themselves, and it’s important not to lose sight of that.
If you need further support, please call us on 01 662 4070.
ENDS.
