Calls to the National Rape Crisis helpline reached their highest ever level in 2022.
In its annual report, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre also revealed 18 to 23-year-olds accounted for just over a fifth of calls, while 84% were women and around 15% were men.
More than 93% of DRCC therapy clients were female, with 62% having experienced sexual violence as an adult and 38% were abused as children.
Please know the DRCC is here to support everyone who has been affected by sexual violence. You can contact us by calling the National 24-Hour Helpline at 1800 77 8888 or via Webchat (Monday-Friday) at https://t.co/arcX8JjEFR pic.twitter.com/mr4clPgmun
— Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (@DublinRCC) July 9, 2023
DRCC Chief Executive Noeline Blackwell said the increase in calls was not surprising and said the end of COVID restrictions was likely the cause.
“In 2022 people were resuming ‘normal life’ after the restrictions of COVID,” she said
“Our report shows people - many of whom faced serious mental health, economic and other challenges - were able to seek support on the National Helpline.
“Others found the time and courage to consider reporting sexual violence or seeking justice in courts or other fora.
“Despite our limitations including difficulties in recruiting therapists, this report shows we in DRCC – staff and volunteers - were privileged to be there for them offering support and healing.”
The full report will be published on the DRCC’s website today at 5pm today.
Main image: A woman with a smartphone. Picture by: Alamy.com
