Contacts with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre reach record high
The almost 23,000 contacts made to the centre's helpline in 2024 represented the highest in the DRCC's 46-year history.
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The figures were contained in the organisation's annual report published on Thursday.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, who will launch the report in Dublin on Thursday morning, said the figures were 'hugely concerning'.
'Sexual violence is a crime that has historically been under-reported and this is something I am committed to addressing, and something that is changing as complainants become more confident in our justice system,' he said.
'Many of the figures and statistics in this latest report from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre are hugely concerning but I am encouraged that a significant percentage of those who seek support from DRCC also report to An Garda Síochána.'
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Mr O'Callaghan commended the 'excellent work and unwavering commitment' of the centre.
Chief executive of DRCC Rachel Morrogh said contacts with the helpline broke the 20,000 mark for the first time in 2024, reaching a total of 22,700.
She said: 'In fact, engagement with the National Helpline increased by over 20% from 2023, bringing the number of contacts to almost 23,000. There are likely a number of drivers behind the increased demand for our 24-hour listening service, including that survivors feel increasingly confident about where to find non-judgmental support, but also the reality that sexual violence is still an insidious and common occurrence in modern Ireland.
'Although we are encouraged by the marked rise in the number of survivors contacting us, we know that this is a fraction of the thousands of people living with trauma who have not yet sought support. Our message to them today is that they are not invisible to us, that they deserve support, and that when they feel ready to talk, we are ready to listen.'
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Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said the figures were 'extremely concerning' (PA)
Ms Morrogh said the sharpest increase in activity across the organisation's frontline supports was reported by its therapy service.
'Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's counsellors held almost 6,000 counselling sessions with survivors, an increase of 57 per cent compared to 2023,' she said.
'Specialised counselling unlocks healing for many survivors of sexual violence and we are proud to have supported 637 women and men last year. The number of therapy clients increased by 28 per cent, or 140 people.
'While many people choose not to make a report to An Garda Síochána about what happened to them, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre therapy clients do so at much higher rates than the national average. The Central Statistics Office has reported that tiny numbers of people who have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime have reported it to the Gardaí. There are many reasons for this, ranging from a fear of not being believed or thinking they are in some way to blame or that what happened was not serious enough. Amongst our new therapy clients last year however, the reporting rate was 27 per cent.
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'We are honoured to support our clients through the justice system, which can be a very difficult process for many. Every time there is a conviction and sentence for a sexual offence, we know it is felt as a victory for those who will never have their day in court or have the validation and catharsis of a guilty verdict.'
– The 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline is available on 1800 778888
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