Charity warns Christmas the 'most dangerous' time for children at risk of sexual abuse

The IPSCC said its Christmas appeal comes as many children are to face into the festive period in a living nightmare, with Childline often their only lifeline.

Christmas is the “most dangerous” time of year for some children in Ireland, the ISPCC has warned, as new data from its Childline service shows 14 children a week contact it about sexual abuse.

Launching its Christmas appeal, the ISPCC said its Childline team spends the equivalent of 146 full days a year talking to children and young people in immediate crisis, while 300 children a year make contact about sexual abuse, involving rape, incest and being forced to watch or perform sexual acts.