A new sexual offences unit which is to established in the country has been welcomed by the ISPCC in Mayo.
Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy last week announced that the central unit will record complaints against sex offenders which will help assist in the improvement of prosecutions of sex crimes against children and adults.
Aoife Griffin, regional manager with the ISPCC, which has a base in Castlebar, told the Mayo Advertiser that the charity is “delighted with the establishment of the unit” as gardaí will be assisted and advised in investigations in such matters and will adhere to best practice in line with international standards.
Last year the Childline office in Castlebar received more than 9,000 calls which were handled by 25 volunteers and 11 trainees. Ms Griffin could not relay how many of these calls related to sexual abuse, however she said that nationally 13 per cent of all calls made to Childline in 2009 related to abuse.
