'We need to talk about child abuse'

Cora Desmond from Youghal, Co Cork, suffered horrific abuse and cruelty at the hands of her stepmother for 11 years.

Children's charities have urged people to be vigilant for children who are at risk of abuse and neglect, following the case of a young Cork woman whose stepmother was jailed this week for physically and mentally abusing her over a period of 11 years. 

Cora Desmond, 21, who suffered horrific abuse and cruelty at the hands of her stepmother for 11 years, has urged others to speak up and seek support.