Pre-teens gang-raped in initiation rites

Girls as young as 11 living in estates where gangs reign are being expected to take part in initiation ceremonies involving graphic sexual activity, according to a leading child abuse counselling service.

Across the country, pre-teens and young teenagers are increasingly expected to perform oral sex on partners, with such activity “normalised” by the prevalence of online pornography. Gang rape is also becoming more common but is not being reported to gardaí due to the stigma attached, said Children at Risk in Ireland’s clinical director, Dr Niall Muldoon.

Mr Muldoon was speaking after a British children’s watchdog shocked the House of Commons home affairs committee with details of the child abuse that is taking place across Britain.