Local sexual abuse victim concerned at lengthy therapy waits

An emergency fundraising appeal has been launched.

A Bailieborough woman who, along with her sisters, endured years of sexual abuse says “government inaction” is paving the way for “huge societal issues down the line”.

Paula Kavanagh lives and works in Bailieborough. She and her two sisters, June and Joyce, were sexually abused by their father for years.

She has spoken out as part of a fundraising appeal by CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland), a support therapy charity for children who have been sexually abused.

Speaking at the launch of the charities emergency funding appeal, Paula said pressure needs to be put on the Government to improve the situation:

“I am asking the public to not only support CARI’s emergency fundraising appeal through donating as much as possible but also to put pressure on the Government to do the right thing by our children, immediately.

“Let them know that they are elected to put the interests of the people first and their inaction will not be tolerated any longer. Let our voices be heard in the next election. These are our children, and they need our help today.”

She says adequate, consistent funding needs to be provided to treat and support victims of sexual abuse who currently face waiting time of up to five years to access the necessary services. CARI’s waiting list has doubled over recent years and is now at its longest in the charity’s 33 year history.

It receives funding from Tusla for its professional, child-centered therapy, support and advice services but says it is not enough and estimates it could take five years to clear the list if it cannot fund and staff its service adequately.

For Paula, her concern is the knock on impact the long delays could have on people waiting for help:

“I am absolutely appalled and angered to think that children who have been damaged have to wait for five years. This is five more years of no childhood and five more years of self-hatred and pain.

“It’s time to let our children know that they matter, that they are really important, so that when they bravely seek out help, it will be there. CARI shouldn’t have to do any fundraising, its energy and attention should be focussed on supporting the poor unfortunate abused children.”

CARI General Manager Colm O’Brien:

“Our waiting list more than doubled in 2020 alone (from 92 to 198) and we now have 254 children waiting to access vital services. While each case and family is different, it generally takes a family one year to go through our therapy process and so it will take us five years to clear the list and that’s not taking into account the new referrals made weekly.

“We are seeking to raise €100K in 100 Days. We are consistently amazed by the generosity of the Irish people, they always put out a hand to help and we desperately need their help. We know that times are quite difficult for people with higher living costs but we are asking as many people as possible to give as much as possible. Every little bit literally does count”.

You can donate here.