New digital platform launched to support young people facing online sexual abuse

A digital platform facilitated by An Garda Síochána, called Help4U, has been launched to support children and teenagers facing sexual abuse or online harm.

Help4U helps young people find trusted advice, understand their rights, and connect with people who can help.

The platform offers clear, practical guidance for anyone under 18 who needs help, as well as information for parents, teachers and professionals supporting them.

A pilot was run involving Ireland, and in February this year, a meeting of the EMPACT Child Sexual Exploitation Action group was held in An Garda Síochána’s Walter Scott House in Dublin for the purpose of progressing the project to full roll out.

An Garda Síochána’s Assistant Commissioner for Organised and Serious Crime Angela Willis said: "I am delighted to see the Help4U platform launched.

"The aim of the platform is to make a tangible difference to the lives of children who have been impacted by any of the targeted crime types including manipulation or catfishing, sexual extortion harassment or blackmailing, and sharing sexual images.

"An Garda Síochána was pleased to help the project move through the various development phases, particularly in terms of our participation in the pilot and hosting a meeting of the EMPACT Child Sexual Exploitation Action group in Dublin in February.

"While the platform will provide guidance and advice to children, the key aim is to build a safer, more supportive world for young people, where their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their futures are brighter. I firmly believe it will be a great support to both victims and potential victims of online child exploitation.”

Two Irish platforms are listed as resources on the Help4U platform - www.hotline.ie as it facilitates the reporting of online child exploitation and www.ispcc.ie as they have a 24-hour helpline for children.