Childline reports over 100 contacts in relation to sexual abuse in past month

Kenneth Fox

Childline has reported over 100 contacts made in relation to sexual abuse in the past month.

They are launching their national Christmas appeal as harrowing statistics reveal up to 10 contacts per week from teenagers pertaining to rape.

Their data reveals that they receive 120,000 contacts each year of which almost one quarter are classified “level 4” – the most concerning.

They get a total of 26 contacts from children and young people in relation to child sexual abuse on a weekly basis. They also got 169 contacts about incest up to November 27th.

Weekly they receive between five and 10 contacts from teenagers about rape.

One of their volunteers, Ciara* spoke several times to a little girl named Orla* who rang about how scared she was of the monster who came to her bedroom at night.

This monster should have been one of the most trusted people in her life, but nine-year-old Orla was being sexually abused by a member of her family.

Another volunteer Maria* tells of a young caller Jess* who was also being abused at home. Jess had been calling Childline regularly and through talking to our volunteers had built up her courage and determination to protect and save her siblings from her own horrifying experience.

According to the Central Staistics Office (CSO), sexual Violence Survey 2022, 41 per cent of respondents, aged 18-24, experienced sexual violence as a child. Of those surveyed, 83 per cent of victims knew the perpetrator.

Mairead McGinn, director of fundraising, ISPCC said: “Childline relies heavily on public generosity to help keep us here for every child and young person 24 hours a day.

"We depend on donations for up to 75 per cent of the funding which keeps us listening 24hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

"Every donation, no matter how small, makes a real difference and helps to ensure that we always provide a listening ear and support to those who need it.”

In addition to the 24/7 Childline service, ISPCC is also playing an active role in helping prevent child sexual abuse through a number of proactive initiatives.