Helplines for people under 18
This information is for young people who are concerned about domestic violence or sexual abuse.
It may be something that is happening in your life, or to someone that you know and care about. Or maybe it is something you want to understand better.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse, there is help and support available to you. You do not need to suffer this on your own.
You can ring one of the supports on this page or the Child Sexual Abuse Freephone on 1800 555 222.
Helpline Contact Information
In an emergency – dial 999 or 112
Childline freephone – 1800 666 666, Free Text 50101 or chat online at The Childline Website.
Teenline freephone – 1800 833 634
CARI Care Line – 0818 924567
The CARI Care Line is the first point of contact and support for any person or professional who has concerns about or is affected by child sexual abuse or sexualised behaviour.
The Care Line is open from: Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Website – www.cari.ie
A.S.S.C. Accompaniment Support Services for Children – 087 9937392
A.S.S.C specialise in providing court accompaniment to young people and their families.
They offer pre-trial meeting , DVD statement viewing accompaniment, trial accompaniment, post-trial support and phone support.
Their services are nationwide.
Website: assc.ie
Want to Talk?
Want to Talk? is a space for young people aged 12–18 who may be feeling unsafe, unheard, or unsure- whether it’s at home or in a relationship, you deserve support. You’re not alone.
You can chat privately with a trained team member Monday to Friday between 3 pm and 7 pm.
Website: www.wanttotalk.ie
Barnardos
At Barnardos, we have been helping vulnerable children in Ireland since the 1960s. Our core purpose remains the same; ‘to help the most vulnerable children in society achieve their full potential – regardless of their family circumstances, their gender, race or disability.’
Barnardos delivers trauma informed specialist services in Ireland that support vulnerable families across many issues including domestic violence and abuse. We work holistically with families at every stage of their journey, in family support, individual and group work programmes — from prevention and early intervention through crisis response and recovery.
Barnardos has extensive expertise in interpersonal trauma and in understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences on children, enabling effective child and family centred responses. We introduced the TLC KIDZ which is a community coordinated response to childhood domestic violence and abuse in Ireland and remain the lead agency, with Barnardos coordinating the majority TLC KIDZ projects nationwide. Barnardos is also the lead agency for the National Childhood Domestic Violence and Abuse Project.
You can find your local Barnardos service here: Find Barnardos Service Centres & Contact Details – Barnardos
Or phone head office on: 01-454 0000