11-year-old girl forced into prostitution by her own mother as Childline issues appeal

Childline by ISPCC, Ireland's only 24/7/365 listening service for children and young people, has today launched its national Christmas appeal - revealing the hidden reality of Christmas for so many children and young people across Ireland.

For some, their Christmas dreams do not come true. Their living nightmare simply continues. When this happens, Childline is often their only lifeline.

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Annie* is 11 years old. She should be looking forward to a Christmas full of warmth and joy. Instead, she is living in a state of constant terror. Her mother, who is actively involved in prostitution, regularly forces her to have sex with multiple men. She gives Annie anti-anxiety medication and brings Annie to hotels where is she raped.

Jenny’s* mother, who struggles with substance use disorder, exploits her daughter to clear her constant debts. The teenager is forced into sexual acts with older men in return for drugs.

Sophie* was just 13 years of age when she was sexually exploited and blackmailed by criminals she met online, who constantly knew her whereabouts and told her they would kill her parents if she did not do what they said. This included coercing her into creating sexually explicit videos and images.

Annie*, Jenny* and Sophie* all turned to Childline for help and support. And they are not alone. Grooming of children for sexual exploitation is tragically becoming increasingly commonplace.

Whilst Childline data shows that 40% of children who turn to Childline about sexual abuse have been groomed by sexual predators (specifically stated), the reality is that many others are likely to have had a grooming element.

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Childline data also shows that:

• The Childline team spends the equivalent of 146 full days a year talking to children and young people in immediate crisis.
• 35 children and young people are in the process of trying to take their own life whilst in contact with the Childline team.
• Childline receives over 2,300 contacts a year in relation to sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
• 300 children a year contact Childline about sexual abuse involving rape, incest and being forced to watch and/or perform sexual acts    

Caroline O'Sullivan, Director of Services, ISPCC said:

“Our frontline team at ISPCC and our dedicated volunteers at Childline know we are in the midst of a crisis and we are hearing about it all the more regularly in the media too.

“Recently we learned of a case where the most heinous crimes were committed within a community and by a person in a position of trust.

“The bravery and courage of the children and young people who turn to Childline for support is insurmountable and it is imperative that we continue to always be there for them. By supporting our appeal, the public can help us protect children."

ISPCC CEO John Church said:

“Our mission at ISPCC is to ensure that every child and young person in Ireland has the right to lead a better, happier and safer life.

“We depend on the kind generosity of the public to ensure we can continue to be there 24hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our supporters.

“Every donation you make, no matter how small, makes a real and lasting difference."

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Actress Saoirse Ronan has again put her full support behind ISPCC’s Christmas appeal to reveal the dark truths behind childhood in Ireland and she said: 

“For too many children and young people, Christmas doesn’t mean presents or a happy day full of warmth and safety. Instead, it means abuse, neglect and loneliness.

“ It breaks my heart to know that it can be nothing but a living nightmare for many of our young people across this country.

“Take a moment to think of all the young people in your community who could be going through this behind closed doors, alone, afraid, feeling unloved."

Saoirse continued: “At Childline, there is always someone there to listen, support and be there for them - while their world is crumbling around them.  Childline has long been a cause close to my heart and I know that its vital work makes a real and lasting difference.

“I am so proud to support this appeal and urge everyone to donate whatever they can to help ensure that Childline can remain a lifeline to children this Christmas.”     

To help Childline be there for children whose Christmas dreams have turned to nightmares and all children who are struggling, please visit ispcc.ie.