”ISPCC acknowledges and recognises the shock felt by so many on hearing the abhorrent details of cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation following the sentencing of two individuals at Tralee Circuit Criminal Court today,” says CEO John Church.

“ISPCC strongly condemns the heinous crimes perpetrated against these young children. Any child who has been sexually abused must be offered and receive support in a timely manner.” 

Children have the right to protection from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, including where these crimes are digitally recorded which can compound the trauma experienced by the child or young person. Selling children to be abused for financial gain is to be highly condemned. 

Such crimes have no place in a modern society. 

ISPCC reiterates its call for the Government to commit with haste to a national strategy for child sexual abuse as recommended by the Report of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, Responding to Child Sexual Abuse, 2017.

It is generally accepted that the number of cases of abuse in this country are grossly under-reported and we strongly encourage anyone who has concerns about a child to help them disclose these horrific crimes to the authorities. 

Such crimes can be reported by contacting An Garda Síochána’s Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Phone Line, which is a dedicated phone line for the reporting of child sexual abuse, on 1800 555 222. 

A sad consequence of the current ‘cost-of-living- crisis’ is that some people’s vulnerabilities can be exploited. Levels of abuse and exploitation increase in times of economic crises and those who are vulnerable to exploitation must be supported.

ISPCC urges those who may be in need of help, financial or otherwise, to reach out for appropriate support. There is always help. No matter how vulnerable someone may be or how difficult their situation, it must never be an option to exploit the children in one’s care for financial gain.

Children must always be protected and we must do everything we can to ensure that we live in a society that puts children and their needs and rights at the heart of what we do.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

ISPCC Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager Fiona Jennings is available for comment or interview.

For more information, please contact Rowena Walsh, ISPCC Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Tel: 087 3157552

Email: [email protected]

About ISPCC

ISPCC is a charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and young people.

The charity provides a suite of Childline services and supports for children and young people up to and including those aged 18 years of age.  Childline’s 24-hour support line can be contacted for FREE, 365 days a year 24/7.  Children can chat online at childline.ie or call 1800 66 66 66.

ISPCC provide services, supports and programmes for parents/carers and those working or volunteering in child and youth settings e.g. schools, clubs, crèches etc.

All services and supports are focused on strengthening resilience and developing coping competencies and are rooted in intervention and prevention.

Through its policy and public affairs work ISPCC advocates for meaningful change for children and young people now and leaves a legacy of improved experiences for future generations.