Vol. 489 No. 6
426 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of child sex abuse cases being investigated by each health board; the number of investigations completed in each of the years from 1995 to 1997; the number of files open in excess of three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8854/98]
Statistics on child sex abuse as available for the years 1995, 1996 and 1997 are set out on the following table.
I will forward a breakdown of the 1996 and 1997 Eastern Health Board figures as soon as possible. I have asked the health boards to forward to my Department the other details requested by the Deputy and I will communicate further with him when that information has been received.
I wish to point out that the vast majority of child abuse and neglect cases are assessed and investigated in the context of a social and medical assessment process. This can be complex and long-term, depending on the nature of the specific case, the trauma suffered by victims of such abuse, and the long-term treatment implications of any intervention and support.
Reports of Alleged Child Sex Abuse in 1995, 1996 and 1997
|
Year |
1995 |
1995 |
1996 |
1996 |
1997 |
1997 |
|
Reports |
Received |
Confirmed |
Received |
Confirmed |
Received |
Confirmed |
|
EastSexual |
863 |
264 |
970 |
|||
|
MidlandSexual |
249 |
68 |
193 |
31 |
176 |
37 |
|
Mid-WestSexual |
208 |
64 |
189 |
51 |
226 |
46 |
|
North-EastSexual |
201 |
71 |
241 |
57 |
307 |
133 |
|
North-WestSexual |
100 |
39 |
106 |
20 |
73 |
5 |
|
South-EastSexual |
339 |
156 |
319 |
68 |
425 |
93 |
|
SouthernSexual |
289 |
73 |
||||
|
WesternSexual |
192 |
30 |
165 |
26 |
173 |
37 |
