One in Four Charity Reports Historic Surge in Male Survivors

The One in Four charity, dedicated to supporting survivors of child sex abuse, has reported a significant shift in its client demographics. For the first time in over two decades, more men than women sought assistance from the charity in 2023. This trend reflects a broader societal response to recent discussions surrounding child sexual abuse, particularly following the release of the Blackrock Boys radio documentary.

The documentary highlighted the historical abuse suffered by brothers Mark and David Ryan at Blackrock College in south County Dublin. Its impact prompted a scoping inquiry into abuse in religious-run schools, resulting in the establishment of a commission of investigation this year. The charity’s findings, outlined in its 2024 annual report released on March 18, reveal that the proportion of male survivors rose to an unprecedented 62 percent, up from 48 percent in 2023.

Rising Number of Support Sessions

The report indicates that overall contacts with the charity increased by 17 percent, with a total of 7,674 support sessions provided to 1,292 individuals. Requests for advocacy support saw a notable rise of 21 percent. The increase in male survivors seeking help aligns closely with the Irish Government’s publication of the Scoping Inquiry Report into Historical Sexual Abuse in Schools.

According to Deirdre Kenny, chief executive of One in Four, this trend signifies that when the State addresses child sexual abuse openly, survivors are encouraged to come forward. “The public conversation and the visibility of the scoping inquiry have helped create an environment in which survivors – especially men – felt able to come forward and seek support,” she noted.

The charity’s data shows that nearly half of those receiving support sessions reside in Dublin, while 45 percent are located elsewhere in Ireland. The remaining individuals are either living abroad or their locations are unspecified. The demographic breakdown reveals that 62 percent of those seeking assistance were men, 37 percent were women, and 1 percent identified as non-binary.

Government Action and Future Directions

The significance of these statistics extends beyond mere numbers, as they represent individuals breaking years, sometimes decades, of silence regarding their experiences. In July 2023, the Government published its report on the scoping inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools operated by religious orders. A key recommendation from the report was the establishment of a commission of investigation, which the Government has since accepted.

The commission, headed by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, is tasked with examining how allegations, suspicions, and concerns about historical sexual abuse were managed across all primary and post-primary schools. Kenny emphasized the importance of this commission, stating that it will “play a crucial role in examining decades of child sexual abuse in schools and uncovering the lessons of our past.”

As One in Four continues its mission to support survivors, the recent increase in male survivors seeking help marks a pivotal moment in addressing child sexual abuse in Ireland. The charity is committed to providing continued support and advocacy for all those affected, fostering an environment where survivors can be heard and healed.