Resolution of child abuse investigations varies widely between regions

FIGURES on the level of reported child abuse and the manner in which complaints are dealt with reveal widespread inconsistencies and show why children are reluctant to approach authorities.

Of the 6,188 complaints made in 2004, 3,557 have yet to be resolved. In some parts of the country, less than 10% of investigations have been completed.

In the Health Service Executive (HSE) North Western Area, 94% of the 301 abuse cases reported are still being investigated, in contrast to the western region which has resolved 416 of the 540 cases it dealt with in 2004.

Barnardos director of advocacy Norah Gibbons says the varied status of abuse cases in each of the HSE areas gives credence to its long-standing belief that all children do not get the same treatment.

“We have been concerned about inconsistencies in the system for a long time. It is hardly surprising that things are not being dealt with given the inconsistencies that are there especially in staffing and how different people deal with cases,” she said.

Barnardos has been joined by Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children chief executive Paul Gilligan in calling for sweeping changes in how child abuse cases are dealt with.

“Because of the high numbers of abuse cases being reported in the media, many people mistakenly think that the majority of those who have been abused do in fact come forward and report their experiences, but this is not the case.

“Evidence would strongly suggest that child protection systems in Ireland are not effective and that young people themselves have little confidence in these systems,” Mr Gilligan said.

A spokesman for the HSE said some geographical areas and classes of cases can vary dramatically in any given year.