22% rise in abuse therapy requests

A LEADING child support group is calling for dedicated support for sexually-abused children after demand by young people for its therapy services increased by a quarter.

Children At Risk in Ireland (CARI) said state-backed specialist services for abused children are not yet available in the same way as those that exist for adults, as recommended after the Ferns Inquiry.

CARI said it has experienced a 22% increase in demand for its services, mainly therapy for abused children, in the last two years. The support group handled some 2,471 appointments for therapy and advice appointments for young victims of abuse and their families last year. This followed 2,459 appointments the previous year and 1,962 in 2007.