Helplines flooded with calls from abuse victims

VICTIMS of abuse in residential institutions have sought help in record numbers since the publication of the Ryan report, prompting a funding appeal from helplines.

Cash-strapped support groups have sought emergency funds and made cutbacks to meet the demand.

The One in Four group has sought a meeting with Children’s Minister Barry Andrews. Its support services have been overwhelmed since last month’s publication of the report on child abuse, said executive director Maeve Lewis.