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Sexual violence increasing, warns rape crisis centre

Sexual violence is rising, despite official crime figures showing that the number of reported rapes had declined, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) said today.

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the number of sexual offences has fallen consistently since the third quarter of 2007. However, the DRCC warned that fewer victims were reporting the crimes to gardaí.

"Our statistics show that sexual crime is not diminishing. These statistics are not to be confused with statements from the gardai and the Central Statistics Office," said Brendan Spring, chairman of the DRCC. "Fewer victims are reporting rape and sexual abuse to the gardaí, which distorts the real picture. This report shows the true story."

The rape crisis centre's 2007 annual report found that 320 victims of rape or sexual assault had been seen at the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU), which represented a 100 per cent increase in the six year period 2001 to 2007.

A third of people who turned to the DRCC for help said they had suffered physical violence, psychological abuse and intimidation in addition to the rape or sexual assault.

Clara O'Brien, Irish Times

More story at-http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0903/breaking45.htm

© 2008 irishtimes.com

 
 

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