Confirmed child abuse cases rise by 20% in 3 years

CONFIRMED cases of child abuse increased by 20% over a three-year period, according to a report launched yesterday by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Barry Andrews.

There were 2,164 confirmed cases of abuse in 2008 — the latest year for which figures are available from the Health Service Executive (HSE), an increase of 20% since 2006 when there were 1,797 such cases.

The majority of cases were for neglect at 44%, followed by physical abuse at 22%. Sexual abuse accounted for 13% of cases while 20% were emotional abuse.