Abuse therapy group faces cutbacks

A CASH-STRAPPED national organisation providing therapy to sexually abused children may be forced to cut its services at a time when demand for them has never been greater.

Last year Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI) experienced a surge in demand for all of its services with almost 4,979 people contacting its helpline - a 55% increase in all therapy related calls.

CARI National Director Mary Flaherty said the organisation was now struggling to respond to the growing demand for its services.