Child abuse reported at asylum seekers’ hostels

Seven cases of inappropriate sexual behaviour were among 121 incidents involving children at hostels accommodating asylum seekers reported to authorities last year.

The annual report of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) also reveals that the average length of time asylum seekers are housed under the controversial “direct provision” system is continuing to increase, despite sharp declines in the number of people accommodated in State-supported hostels.

Seven cases of inappropriate sexual behaviour, seven cases of physical abuse, and 11 cases of neglect were reported to the agency’s child and family services unit in 2012.