THE cases of confirmed sexual abuse of children in 1995 were almost double the number in 1992 in the North Western Health Board region. While there were 21 confirmed cases of sexual abuse of children in 1992, there were 39 last year.
According to the annual review of the board's child care and family support services, the number of cases of physical abuse of children has also increased from six in 1992 to 26 in 1995. While there were only three cases of neglect in 1992, there were 14 last year.
A spokesman for the board said the significant increase in the number of cases of both physical and sexual abuse was due to a greater public awareness.
The review states that although board staff working in multi disciplinary teams along with the gardai have been able to investigate all reported cases of abuse and neglect to date, the board's services are inadequate to provide for the increasing demand. According to the review, office and clinic accommodation for child care staff and services remains inadequate outside Letterkenny and Sligo.
The board also requires additional residences for homeless children. The only resource within the board's area is one house in Sligo run by a voluntary committee with grant aid from the board. A house for homeless children is urgently needed Donegal.