Sexual abuse services and child protection
Senator Devine highlighted the work of One in Four, especially its evidence-based treatment programmes, and emphasised the need to protect children from abuse within families.
I refer to the annual report launched by the One in Four organisation. One in Four provides group treatment programmes for sexual abuse victims and offenders. Its treatment programmes also cover families, including wives, husbands, partners and parents. They are evidence-based and work. Most importantly, they protect children. I raise the issue to help us all to continue to protect children. In the vast majority of cases sexual abuse happens within families. Most offenders will never face a criminal trial as the victims rarely report the crimes which are kept secret within families. What is extremely worrying is the fact that over 40% of offenders are under the age of 18 years. Tonight's edition of "Would You Believe" to be broadcast on RTE One is entitled "Beyond Redemption?" I ask Members to watch the programme and consider its content and how we can make Ireland safer from the abuses discussed. In time we could have a wider discussion and debate. I will be discussing the matter as a member of the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs, to which I hope we can invite Maeve Lewis from One in Four to discuss its annual report. One in Four is completely overburdened. It provides counselling for 116 adult survivors of child sexual abuse and 40 families. It provides almost 3,000 therapy hours and practical information on child protection notifications. It worked with 38 sex offenders and 19 wives during 2015. There is a delay of up to six months for those waiting for an appointment with One in Four. From my experience as a psychiatric nurse and having dealt with victims and offenders of sexual abuse, I encourage the House to have a wider discussion on this issue. I welcome and I am grateful for the extremely difficult work One in Four does and, again, encourage Members to view the programme "Would You Believe?" tonight.