Rise in child sexual abuse hits help group

AN alarming increase in reported child sexual abuse has pushed a leading child protection group into a cash crisis.

Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI), which relies heavily on its own fund-raising efforts, is having to dip into its emergency reserves, as demand for its services continues to increase.

CARI national director Mary Flaherty said the organisation, which provides support and advice for around 50 families every month, is struggling to respond to the growing demand for its services.