Level of sexual violence in Ireland 'disturbing', says Justice Minister

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said that the level of sexual violence in Ireland remains "disturbing".

Level of sexual violence in Ireland 'disturbing', says Justice Minister

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said that the level of sexual violence in Ireland remains "disturbing".

She was speaking at the launch of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's annual report, which showed a 30% rise in first-time callers.

On average, 25 calls seeking help after a rape or assault were made every day last year - with almost a quarter of all contacts made by men.

Despite the increase in calls, only 36% of cases where reporting status was known were brought up with the gardaí.

Minister Fitzgerald says that needs to change - and more supports are needed.

"This is an international problem in terms of people having the confidence when they have been the victims of sexual abuse, sexual violence, of rape - having the confidence to go forward to face a court situation," she said.

CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Ellen O'Malley Dunlop, said earlier that the Centre's funding had been cut by 30% since 2009, despite the increase in those seeking help.

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This morning in the Seanad, Senator Kathryn Reilly called for a debate on sexual assault services.

“While highlighting the amazing work being done by the staff of the DRCC, the report is extremely concerning for a number of reasons,” she said.

“It documents a 14% increase in calls reporting adult rape and a 71% increase in crisis appointments relating to recent rape and sexual assault.

“At this time, when these statistics as depicted in today's report are so stark and paint a shocking and harrowing picture of the reality of sexual assault in Ireland, it is very clear that the government needs to provide more funding and resources for rape crisis services and that the legislation to protect victims needs to be strengthened.

“We cannot allow the removal of core funding for the Rape Crisis Services. This would be a major backward step for services to people who have experienced sexual violence.

“We as a society cannot stand by and allow sexual assault services to be cut by the state, it is simply wrong and cannot be justified in any way.”

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