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.