Calls to abuse counselling service increased by 4%

Over 8,000 calls have been made to an abuse counselling service this year - an increase of 4%.

Connect provides anonymous counselling to adults who have experienced childhood abuse.

The out of hours service is staffed by professionals and has seen an ongoing year on year increase in calls since it was established in 2006.

Services Director Theresa Merrigan explains why more people are contacting them: "Because of the number of reports that are being released late into abuse in childhood, abuse being emotional, physical and sexual abuse as well as neglect that does give people the confidence to come forward.

"Perhaps there was a feeling that they would be believed and that they do need the counselling and professional support to help them come to terms with abuse in childhood."