Number of kids abused by more than one adult rising

THE number of individual children being abused by more than one sex offender is on the increase, according to a national support organisation.

CARI’s work with child clients also shows that paedophile rings are not uncommon in Ireland and the emergence of the internet, and chat rooms in particular, has made access to potential victims more direct.

The organisation, through information gathered from victims of sex abuse and their families, has also found that these rings are operating using sophisticated and highly secretive networks.

Following the shocking disclosure of a 14-year-old boy being repeatedly raped by a paedophile ring, the organisation has stressed that this type of crime is not uncommon in Ireland.

“Calls to our helpline have increased in the last year regarding allegations of abuse from multiple perpetrators. The experience of the 14-year-old child in this case is the experience shared by some of CARI’s child clients who have disclosed incidents of being abused by multiple perpetrators,” said Mary Flaherty, chief executive of CARI.

Paedophile rings are becoming more organised and actively seek out organisations and activities that allow them access to children, she said.

“They will often use the internet as a means of communication where they will share images, ideas, locations where they can getaccess to children and children who would be deemed vulnerable.”

It was important to realise that the most recent case was not a one-off.

Rings are operating not only in Dublin but in other parts of the country, she said.

Children were introduced to these rings most often by a person known to them whom they trusted. Within a ring there are often a number of people with considerable influence over children, Ms Flaherty said.

Part of the mechanism by which children were encouraged to stay quiet and not to reveal the abuse was orchestrated by these adults whom the children trust.

“If the very persons that they (the children) are likely to turn to, to seek help, are known to be involved in the ring...this is a mechanism for silencing,” she said.

Children were sharing information in internet chat rooms which they would never make available to a stranger on the street.

“I think there is insufficient understanding of just how much this (the internet) has made life easier for those who would prey on children,” she said.

The grooming of a child is not an offence and the recommendation of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Child Protection in this matter should be acted on immediately, she said.

“Our overall recommendation in CARI is to have an open line of communication with your children and to take time with them. We are suggesting you should stay close to them, know when to be concerned about changes and there might be a justification for intrusion in their privacy.”

“Our general message is to talk to your children about safety.”