The number of rape and sexual assault cases coming before Irish courts has reportedly fallen by 70% since 1999.
Reports this morning said figures released by the Courts Service showed that 37 rape cases were heard before the Central Criminal Court last year, compared with 130 in 1999.
This morning's reports said the decline in the number of such cases contrasted sharply with the rising number of people seeking counselling at rape crisis centres, which would appear to suggest that fewer victims are coming forward to report sex crimes.
Organisations working with rape victims have repeatedly warned in recent years that victims are discouraged from reporting rape and sexual assault due to the lengthy legal process involved and the lack of sufficient support services.