The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children says its flagship service, Childline, is in danger of closing because of a continuing drop in donations.

The charity says it receives no money from the government for Childline and it can no longer afford the €4 million cost. The announcement about Childline comes as the ISPCC launched a controversial advertisement which graphically illustrates the affects of child abuse.

In 2007 the charity raised €5,047,458 which fell to €4,563,018 in 2009. The ISPCC told the Irish Times that it expects figures for 2010, which have yet to be finalised, will be down by 4%.

The ISPCC is asking people to make a commitment of at least €2 a month to help boost its regular income base.

The charity has had to defend the latest broadcast advertisement on the popular Pat Kenny RTE radio show. Some callers to the station felt that the advertisement will have a negative affect on survivors of child abuse.

www.ispcc.ie