Teachers have reported almost 4,500 concerns about suspected child abuse since becoming legally obligated to do so, an average of more than 10 disclosures every weekday. Almost 50% of these reports related to the suspected physical abuse of children, figures released to the Irish Examiner show. The figures show:n Teachers made 2,045 mandated reports relating to the suspected physical abuse of children, making up 45% of all mandated reports made by teachers and almost 10% of all mandated reports received by Tusla within the same timeframe; 900 mandated reports were filed by teachers relating to suspected neglect; 812 reports relating to suspected sexual abuse; 717 related to suspected emotional abuse. Tusla received its highest number of reports from teachers in October 2018, with 371 reports filed. “There does need to be more clarity on how these mandated reports are followed up on,” said Ms Leydon.

Source: Irish Examiner November 19, 2019 05:48 UTC