Catherine Ghent, a lawyer who specialises in children's law, joined Ryan Tubridy by phone this morning. Ghent had phoned in to get involved in the segment upon knowing it was to do with assault of children. Ryan started by asking her for her thoughts.
"The first thing is, I think it's very positive that this is being aired” Ghent said. "I think the most important thing is to actually try and put yourself in the position of a child who looked dirty, neglected, was being shouted at and been slapped across the face."
If you picture yourself sitting as that child, and try and experience or think about what they're experiencing, and put yourself in those shoes, I think that's the way we need to start looking at child protection."
"An assault is an assault." Catherine said. "An assault on a child is an assault on someone who is less able to defend themselves. And in circumstances where you witness assault, it is very difficult for someone to get involved directly. And that's not something that would be recommended."
Ryan asked what Ghent's advice be for people who witness an incident?
"An assault is a matter for the Gardaí." Catherine said. "The poor treatment of children is a matter for the Social Services and (child and family agency) Túsla."
Ryan questioned the degree to which Gardaí can get involved in such circumstances. Are their hands tied with domestic instances? Are they more helpless than helpful?
"No, because I think there's this myth out there that domestic incidences are private incidences."Ghent replied. "That logic only works if you believe that children are the property of their parents."
Ghent said that attitudes have changed, and that an assault on a child is now a public issue, suggesting that the Gardaí not only have a remit but an obligation to get involved:
"If you saw that happening to an adult, you probably wouldn't intervene because you'd be fearful of your safety. That's a legitimate concern. But someone would call the Guards. So why would that not be done if there's a child?"
Ryan posed the question of how a child could be too scared to admit what happened, and with the intimidation of Gardaí etc. would it not prove difficult?
"Sometimes people are worried if they get someone involved that this means the child is going to be taken off their parent." Ghent said.
"Just to reassure people that where the State authorities to get involved, the aim has to be to maintain a child in the family home as long as that is safe and in the best interest of the child."
"We have an ethical and moral obligation" Catherine said, "and we have to have learned from our past that in those circumstances if you believe the child is at risk or being abused and where there is an immediate aspect to it, to call the Guards."
"That's the power of the Children's referendum. Children are now recognised as rights holders, in their own right. In relation to children, their parents and guardians are regarded absolutely and correctly as those with the closest obligation to protect them."
Ryan read text messages from listeners where many admitted to witnessing public displays of child assaults; the reaction on social media was equally emotional, with many crediting the opportunity given today to discuss children's safety.
Excellent interview with @CatherineGhent on @RyanTubridyShow Great to hear calm reasoned argument on right of child to be safe.
— Grainia Long (@GrainiaLong) September 26, 2016
As someone who has seen this happen, @RyanTubridyShow is breaking my heart this morning.
— Nicola Bardon (@NicolaBardon) September 26, 2016
For more information advice and information on slapping, you can log on to the ispcc.ie @RyanTubridyShow https://t.co/fQbixlnl8s
— ISPCC Childline (@ISPCCChildline) September 26, 2016
Listen to Catherine Ghent's full interview with The Ryan Tubridy Show here:
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