40% surge in peer-on-peer sex assault cases referred to specialist service 

The increase of peer assaults is believed to be linked to social media. File picture

The number of peer-on-peer sexual assault cases referred to a specialist service surged by almost 40% in just one year.

A conference in Dublin has heard concerns about the growth of social media and extreme pornography, and also highlighted the impact on young men, in particular, from ‘manosphere’ influencers whose content can be misogynistic and degrading towards women.

“We have noticed an increase,” said Keith O’Reilly, director of the Alder’s Unit at Children’s Health Ireland Connolly Hospital. 

“Whereas years ago when sexual abuse was disclosed, it might have been seen as more by people in authority.

“I think what people need to understand is peer-to-peer is happening more and, for those who are potentially at risk of engaging in sexually harmful behaviour, that we try and have targeted interventions and targeted prevention.

“For those young people, predominantly young men — as that what the stats show — we really need to focus on that group rather than having a very black and white conversation about ‘victims, perpetrators’. 

"We really need to think about about how we can best address these issues for people who might be at risk of engaging in this behaviour.” 

Breege Maxwell, director of the Alder’s Unit in Tallaght Hospital, said the increase of peer assaults is something they are looking at closely.

“We think that’s linked to social media, and that’s something that we’re working on as well,” she said.

The conference hosted by the Alder’s Unit examined these issues, across a theme of “prevention through intervention”.

It provides specialist support for children, young people, and their families when there are concerns about sexual abuse, covering the ages of three to 18 in Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow.

“We get referrals primarily from Tusla, but also other organisations,” said Ms Maxwell. 

“We have a small waiting list but that is something we’re constantly trying to change.

“We try to offer the full service that each child needs to help them recover.” 

It was also addressed by young people who themselves have experienced sexual abuse, who spoke of the impact it has had on their lives, as they called for stronger support from State agencies and an emphasis placed on the approach all of these bodies should take with victims.

At the same conference, minister for justice Jim O'Callaghan reiterated his plans to implement a ban on extreme pornography while acknowledging the use of counselling notes in court cases is an issue that needs “tightening up”.