Women’s Aid report reflects disturbing trends in child abuse in Ireland – Minister Fitzgerald

Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, has today (12th June 2013) said that the 2012 annual report from Women’s Aid reflects disturbing trends in child abuse in Ireland. The Minister also said that referrals of child abuse to the HSE have more than doubled in the past six years.

The Minister stated: “Today’s publication by Women’s Aid of their 2012 Annual Report indicates an increase of 55% in the number of reports of child abuse it received last year compared to 2011.”

“These figures are distressting and very worrying, But they do refelect the grim reality of child abuse in Ireland and the threats posed to families by domestic violence.”

“The most recent figures for referrals of child abuse to the HSE show that there were 19,044 referrals in 2012. This represents a doubling in referrals in seven years from 9,503 in 2005”

These figures do not include referrals relating to child welfare and neglect.

The Minister added: “Too many children are suffering as a result of abuse. However addressing this requires a cross-societal response.

“I welcome the increased awareness across all sectors of society of the threats that are out there and the need to report child protection concerns.”

“As Minister I will continue to support this required cultural shift by implementing the Government’s comprehensive reform programme in the area of child protection. This includes the establishment of the dedicated new Child and Family Agency, legislation for which is due to published imminently.”