'Scared of the monster who came to her bed at night': 169 calls about incest made to Childline in 2023

HARROWING data has shown that 169 calls about incest were made to the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) so far this year.

Ireland’s only 24-hour listening service for children and young people, ISPCC has launched a national Christmas appeal as harrowing statistics have revealed the organisation has received 169 contacts about incest in 2023. 

The data revealed 120,000 contacts are made each year, of which almost one quarter are classified 'level 4' – the most concerning level. 

On a weekly basis, Childline receives 26 contacts from children and young people in relation to child sexual abuse. The weekly Childline by ISPCC receives between five to 10 contacts from teenagers about rape. 

One of their volunteers spoke several times to a little girl 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 tells of a young caller 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. 

Orla and Jess’s experiences are not rare. According to the CSO Sexual Violence Survey 2022, 41% of respondents, aged 18-24, experienced sexual violence as a child. Of those surveyed, 83% 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% 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 our 24/7 Childline service, ISPCC is also playing an active role to help prevent child sexual abuse through a number of proactive initiatives.

For further information about the ISPCC's Christmas appeal, click here.