Cavanagh Communications Safeguarding Ireland Public Attitudes Survey Date: April 2019 Job Reference: 377419/CM

1. Objectives and Methodology Report Contents 1. Objectives and Methodology 2. Key Findings 3. Detailed Responses 3

1. Objectives and Methodology

REDLINE RED Line Methodology and Overall Objective 51% 49% 28% 18% 28% Research was conducted using our RED Line online omnibus on behalf of Cavanagh Communications (in conjunction with Safeguarding Ireland) to explore awareness of and attitudes towards Abuse of Vulnerable Adults. Through our online panel of over 40,000 members, the RED Line service allows you to reach a representative sample of the adult population 18+ across Ireland in a cost effective and timely manner. Quota controls are used to ensure a nationally representative sample of ROI adults aged 18+, with interlocking quotas to provide extra confidence in sample profile Data was weighted across Gender, age, region and social class so as to ensure a nationally representative sample based on latest CSO projections. 1,009 respondents took part in this survey between the 25th and 29th April 2019. Weighted to be representative of all adults aged 18+ using the latest CSO census data on the following demographics. Age Gender 49% 51% Region Social Class ABC1‘s: 42% Dublin 28% Conn/ Ulster 18% C2DE‘s: 52% Rest of Leinster 26% Munster 28%

2. Key Findings

So What is this Report Telling us? 1 in every 10 Irish Adults claim to have witnessed the abuse of an adult they considered vulnerable in the past 12 months, while just under 9 in 10 claim not to have. 2% claimed they would prefer not to say. Younger age cohorts were more likely to agree that they had witnessed abuse of a vulnerable adult, as were those in higher social grades. Those residing in Dublin and Connacht/Ulster were in line with the National average while those living in Rest of Leinster (14%) were almost twice as likely as those in Munster (8%) to claim to have witnessed abuse. Of the 10% who claimed to witness abuse, half of them said they discussed it with the person being abused, while 2 in 5 discussed it with another trusted individual. Only 1 in 6 sought to find more info, while a similar proportion sought advise from a professional. 1 in 8 claimed they took no action at all. A dedicated 24 hour helpline and knowing there were clearer and stronger laws are the two things that would most encourage action in the future. While more frequent prompting about being vigilant in certain situations would also encourage action, it is least likely to do so of the five options put to the general public.

3. Detailed Responses

If Witnessed the Abuse of an Adult You Considered as Vulnerable in the Past 12 Months (Base: All Respondents n=1,009) Prefer not to say Yes No 1 in every 10 Irish Adults claim to have witnessed the abuse of an adult they considered vulnerable in the past 12 months, while just under 9 in 10 claim not to have. 2% claimed they would prefer not to say.

If Witnessed the Abuse of an Adult You Considered as Vulnerable in the Past 12 Months Conn/ Ulster 11% Dublin 10% Rest of Leinster 14% Munster 8% (Base: All Respondents n=1,009) Social Class ABC1‘s: 13% Total : Yes Age 18-24 25-34 C2DE‘s: 8% 35-44 10% 45-54 10% 11% Gender 55-64 65+ Younger age cohorts were more likely to agree that they had witnessed abuse of a vulnerable adult, as were those in higher social grades. Those residing in Dublin and Connacht/Ulster were in line with the National average while those living in Rest of Leinster (14%) were almost twice as likely as those in Munster (8%) to claim to have witnessed abuse.

Main Action(s) Which You Took As Result of Witnessing Abuse? (Base: All Respondents Who Have Witnessed Abuse; n=115) Discussed it with the person being abused Discussed it with another trusted person Sought to find out more information Sought advice from a professional (HSE, Gardai, a health or social carer, bank staff etc.) Officially reported it to an authority (HSE, Gardaí or financial institution etc.) Some other action Did not take any action Prefer not to say Of the 10% who claimed to witness abuse, half of them said they discussed it with the person being abused, while 2 in 5 discussed it with another trusted individual. Only 1 in 6 sought to find more info, while a similar proportion sought advise from a professional. 1 in 8 claimed they took no action at all. (Q.2)

What Would Help Encourage Action In The Future (Base: All Respondents n=1,009) A dedicated confidential 24 hour helpline to call for information & support If I knew there were stronger & clearer laws to deter, detect and catch abusers A better overall understanding of what adult abuse is If I could be sure that I would remain anonymous If I was prompted more frequently to be vigilant in certain situations Very helpful Quite helpful Somewhat helpful 11% 10% 17% 17% 24% Not very helpful Not helpful at all Don’t know/Not sure 4% 6% 10% NET: Very/Quite Helpful 82% 81% 74% 72% 59% A dedicated 24 hour helpline and knowing there were clearer and stronger laws are the two things that would most encourage action in the future. While more frequent prompting about being vigilant in certain situations would also encourage action, it is least likely to do so of the five options put to the general public.

A Dedicated Confidential 24hr Helpline to Call For Information & Support Conn/ Ulster 87% Dublin 80% Rest of Leinster 83% Munster 79% (Base: All Respondents n=1,015) Social Class TOTAL Very / Quite Helpful ABC1‘s: 82% Age 18-24 25-34 C2DE‘s: 81% 35-44 82% 45-54 81% 83% Gender 55-64 65+ Age is a clear discriminator in relation to response to this option with endorsement of helpfulness increasing as age increases. Those in Connacht/Ulster are most likely to find it helpful, with those residing in Munster least likely.

If I Knew There Were Stronger & Clearer Laws to Deter, Detect & Catch Abusers Conn/ Ulster 85% Dublin 82% Rest of Leinster 81% Munster 77% (Base: All Respondents n=1,015) Social Class TOTAL Very / Quite Helpful ABC1‘s: 82% Age 18-24 25-34 C2DE‘s: 80% 35-44 81% 45-54 79% 83% Gender 55-64 65+ Again, older adults more likely than younger to find this option helpful, with a peak among 45-54 year olds. Those in Connacht/Ulster are most likely to find it helpful, with those residing in Munster least likely.

A Better Overall Understanding Of What Adult Abuse Is (Base: All Respondents n=1,015) Conn/ Ulster 71% Dublin 76% Rest of Leinster 75% Munster Social Class TOTAL Very / Quite Helpful ABC1‘s: 73% Age 18-24 25-34 C2DE‘s: 74% 35-44 74% 45-54 73% 74% Gender 55-64 65+ 35-44 year olds are the age most likely to look for a greater understanding of what adult abuse is. Those living in the Leinster Region (including Dublin) are also more likely to seek greater education than those outside the province.

If I Could Be Sure That I Would Remain Anonymous (Base: All Respondents n=1,015) Conn/ Ulster 72% Dublin 70% Rest of Leinster Munster 74% Social Class TOTAL Very / Quite Helpful ABC1‘s: 72% Age 18-24 25-34 C2DE‘s: 70% 35-44 72% 45-54 68% 75% Gender 55-64 65+ Anonymity is deemed helpful moreso by younger than older members of the public, and also more by Females than Males. There are no real differences evident geographically throughout the country.

If I Was Prompted More Frequently To Be Vigilant In Certain Situations Conn/ Ulster 61% Dublin 55% Rest of Leinster 67% Munster 56% (Base: All Respondents n=1,015) Social Class TOTAL Very / Quite Helpful ABC1‘s: 60% Age 18-24 25-34 C2DE‘s: 60% 35-44 59% 45-54 60% 59% Gender 55-64 65+ There appears to be little pattern evident in terms of being prompted more frequently. Those in Leinster (excluding Dublin) are much more likely to find this helpful than those actually living in the capital itself.