Mr. Mark Toland:

Schools play a big part in education. Children do not always understand they have been a victim of crime or what has happened to them. Sometimes they are embarrassed. There is a real challenge around teenagers, particularly boys who do not report offences. In our report, we have looked at online child exploitation. Children do not want to tell their parents that they have shared an indecent image of themselves with an abuser on the Internet. Schools could play an enormous role around the online piece.

There are some good websites to assist parents. For example, CyberSafeIrelandis one we quote in our report. It gives advice to parents on what steps to take if they find their child is engaging with a stranger online and having inappropriate conversations. It is important that, if they have protective service units locally, they can publicise them with NGOs and support organisations. NGOs have been vocal and have noticed a change in how Garda members deal with them on this issue, particularly over the past several years, which is positive. Local support services can direct victims, particularly parents, in a very difficult decision.

The important point is that it is reported. Whether they want it to go prosecution is another issue. I would always encourage parents to come forward. If they are dealt with by specially trained Garda members and social workers, they will tell other people it was professional and they were dealt with appropriately.

We have, however, given testimonies in our report of two adult survivors who said they would never go back into the criminal justice system because of the way their cases were investigated and what happened to them. In one of the cases we cite, a relative of the complainant decided not to come forward because of their experience.