More than half of counselling service's callers report childhood sexual abuse

A counselling service has said more than half of callers to its helpline in the first six months of this year reported being sexually abused as a child.

After a review of its operations, Connect said more than 300 calls went unanswered between January and June due to a lack of resources.

In total, the service answered more than 2,500 calls during the first six months of 2015.

Connect service manager Theresa Merrigan said: "In the first six months this year, 54% of callers have reported experiencing sexual abuse as children.

"Up to 60% of callers say their abusive experiences took place in the family home. That's an increase over the same period last year."

She said it was important to come forward and talk about childhood abuse.

"It's encouraging that our callers are coming forward," she said.