'We cannot continue to view child sexual abuse as something confined to the past... It is happening today'

Ahead of today's launch of 'Irish Attitudes to Tackling Child Sexual Abuse', One in Four chief executive Deirdre Kenny highlighted barriers to better child protection in Ireland. Picture: iStock

As many as 40% of people know someone who was sexually abused as a child, according to a poll.

And 70% of people surveyed said they believe parents are “uncomfortable” discussing safety and sex with their children.

The findings are contained in a new report by One in Four, a charity working with survivors of childhood abuse and perpetrators of sexual violence.

One in Four is urging the Government to show leadership and set up a new ‘preventative public health framework’ — across health, education, justice, and technology — to tackle the crisis.

The report, Irish Attitudes to Tackling Child Sexual Abuse, jointly commissioned with Community Foundation Ireland, is due to be launched today by children’s minister Norma Foley.

A nationally representative survey of over 1,000 people found that more than 90% of respondents believed society had failed to address child sexual abuse.

In addition, researcher Karen Hand also spoke to a range of experts, including therapists, and survivors of child abuse.

The survey found:

• 88% of respondents said a ‘whole of society’ approach is needed to prevent and tackle child sexual abuse;
• 78% said pornography encourages more violent sexual desires;
• 69% said parents are uncomfortable discussing safety and sexuality with children;
• 81% support more penalties against tech companies that allow children access pornography online;
• 76% said a ‘national conversation’ on the issue is needed;
• 73% back smartphone restrictions for under-16s.

The survey said 39% of people know someone who experienced sexual violence in childhood and a further 17% said they “might or might not know” someone who had.

One in Four chief executive Deirdre Kenny said the report identifies what has been holding the country back and why Ireland has “struggled” to protect its children.

Three 'barriers' to better child protection

• She said “invisibility” is a barrier, in that the abuse happens out of sight and is rarely talked about, leaving survivors feeling alone.

• A second barrier the report identified was ‘collapsing boundaries’, in that the usual protections at home, at school, and online were breaking down with social media and technology making it “easier for abuse to happen anywhere”.

• A third barrier is ‘explosiveness’, describing how the topic is “so emotional and overwhelming” for people to face and deal with.

Social psychologist and report researcher Karen Hand with One in Four chief executive Deirdre Kenny ahead of today's launch of 'Irish Attitudes to Tackling Child Sexual Abuse'. Picture: One In Four

Ms Kenny said child sexual abuse is often “shrouded in silence and shame”.

She said: “This silence isolates survivors, perpetuates harm within families and communities, and creates significant barriers to meaningful change.

“It is clear we cannot continue to view child sexual abuse as something confined to the past or to certain institutions. It is happening today, in homes, schools, sports clubs, peer to peer and increasingly, through online spaces. Our collective inability to confront this uncomfortable reality has allowed it to persist, causing immeasurable harm.”

The report said the proposed preventative public health framework involves primary prevention and secondary prevention, including intervention when there are early warning signs, and speedy professional support for survivors.