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

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

3. 1. Objectives and Methodology

4. 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%

5. 2. Key Findings

6. 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.

7. 3. Detailed Responses

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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)

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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 year olds. Those in Connacht/Ulster are most likely to find it helpful, with those residing in Munster least likely.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.