ONE IN FOUR LAUNCHES LANDMARK REPORT INTO IRISH ATTITUDES TO TACKLING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE.

Nearly one in three Irish people (29%) across all ages, have experienced child sexual violence, either in person or online, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO 2022).

Alarmingly, our research today shows this figure rises to 41% among 18–24-year-olds, highlighting the urgent and pervasive nature of this crisis in Ireland.

Today, One in Four along with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, launches critical research revealing not only the overwhelming recognition of child sexual abuse as a crisis in Irish society, but also the barriers that have prevented affective action in Ireland. This attitudinal research is the first of its kind in tackling child sexual abuse.

A nationally representative poll found that 91% of people believe Irish society has failed to address child sexual abuse, and 94% acknowledge its serious impact on wellbeing and development.

The research, which draws on expert interviews, survivor testimony, and public polling, highlights not just the scale of the problem but also the urgent need for a united, whole-of-society response.

Deirdre Kenny, CEO, One in Four added: “This research is imperative because it identifies very clearly what has been holding us back and why Ireland has struggled to protect our children from sexual abuse”. Three key barriers stand out in this research:

Invisibility, abuse often happens out of sight and is rarely talked about. Survivors feel alone, and families and communities sometimes look away rather than face the reality.

Collapsing Boundaries, the usual protections at home, in school and online are breaking down. Social media and technology are making it easier for abuse to happen anywhere.

And explosiveness, this topic is so emotional and overwhelming that people often avoid it or focus on the most shocking cases, instead of working towards real solutions.”

The report highlights that child sexual abuse is not an individual or historical issue, but a systemic challenge that demands collective action.

The principal recommendation from the report calls for a Preventative Public Health Framework. What this means is acting at every level across society, long before the harm occurs. It starts with primary prevention: providing universal education across society in understanding healthy boundaries and the root causes of child sexual abuse.

Secondary prevention focuses recognising early warning signs and stepping in quickly to support those at risk. For those who have already been affected, we need to ensure survivors receive timely professional support.

The next level is preventing further harm or re-offending.

Finally, we must constantly review and improve our responses, making sure that every intervention is effective and based on the latest evidence.

Deirdre Kenny, CEO, One in Four added: “At One in Four, we see daily the resilience it takes for survivors to come forward and the pain caused by silence and denial. This does not have to be the case; the research shows strong support from the public on effective actions to prevent and tackle sexual violence in childhood. We urge everyone – government, schools, technology companies, communities, and families—to join us in developing a shared understanding that this is preventable’’.

The report builds on recommendations from the National Child Safety summit convened by One in Four in 2022 and the vital need for the establishment of a National Task Force to tackle this issue, the Task Force coordinator is now in place and based in One in Four.

Dr. Karen Hand, report researcher commented: “There is no ambiguity around the evidence that child sexual violence remains a key issue for Irish society and many of today’s young people are having unwanted sexual experiences in person and online. Global best practice highlights that a Preventative Public Health approach can ensure that every child and young person in Ireland is safe, supported and empowered.”

One in Four is calling on Government leadership for a Preventative Public Health Framework across health, education, justice, technology to ensure Ireland can move from silence and inaction towards a safe, supportive society for every child.

#ChildSafety2025

PHOTO

Deirdre Kenny CEO of One in Four and Dr. Karen Hand, holding a copy of the report.

For more information, please contact Kathrina Bentley, kathrina@oneinfour.ie or 083 840 8665. The report is available on our website www.oneinfour.ie from 2pm 01.05.2025.

ENDS.