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Support and information provided by One in Four in conjunction with Senator Mark Daly for past pupils of Carraig na bhFear Boarding School, Cork “a great success”.

On November the 17th the One in Four advocacy service provided one-to-one confidential information and support for past pupils of Carraig na bhFear boarding school, Cork, who have experience of child sexual abuse. This service was organised in conjunction with Senator Mark Daly and was advertised in advance on Cork and Kerry radio stations.

The clinics were provided on foot of Senator Daly’s speech on the 27th of July in the Seanad in which he spoke of his concerns regarding allegations of child sexual abuse against a priest and former teacher in the school, around the same period that a separate priest taught in the school, who has since been convicted of 10 sample counts of indecent assault of a 12-year-old former pupil. Senator Daly noted also concerns regarding the ability of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart to ensure that their child safety guidelines are being followed so that no further harm can be caused to children.

In light of the Senator’s speech on the 27^th July a number of fresh official investigations have been launched by the HSE, the Gardaí, and the National Board for Safeguarding children into the conduct of the priest in question, with the Gardaí consulting over 50 past pupils of the school.

Senator Daly highlighted that despite this progress, it is estimated by One in Four that only 1 in 100 victims of child abuse will come forward and report their experiences of rape and sexual abuse to the Gardaí, and of those who do come forward, only 1 in 100 will see their abuser being successfully convicted. Senator Daly stresses therefore, the need to provide support and information to anyone who has experience of sexual abuse. It is this, he notes which spurred on the campaign in conjunction with One in Four and he said that they were “delighted with the turnout and success of the clinics in Cork last week”.  

Conscious however, that victims of child sexual abuse need on-going support and guidance, Senator Daly was anxious to remind people that  since his Seanad speech a dedicated helpline has been established by the HSE for anyone so effected who may require support or counselling on 1800 742 8000. The Freephone number is open from 10am to 10pm daily and the Senator urges those effected to avail of the service.

One in Four provides an appointment service Monday – Friday 9.30 to 5.30pm, tel: 01 6624070. The Gardaí Sexual Crime Management Unit can be contacted directly at: 01 6663340 or 01 6663445.