Sex assaults on minors increased by access to porn

Early sexualisation of children and easy access to online pornography have been blamed by a leading children’s charity for a dramatic increase in rapes and sexual assaults against minors.

Children at Risk in Ireland (Cari) said 30% of all calls received last year were about rape and sexual assault.

There was a 162% increase in rape and sexual abuse allegations last year, with 351 received in 2012, compared to 132 the previous year.