Number of rape incidents reported to Gardaí rose by 24 percent

Sexual assault offences remain one of the most under-reported crimes to Gardaí, according to the Rape Crisis Centre.

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The return of nightlife and socialising may have contributed to a rising number of recorded rape incidents, according to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

It comes as CSO figures show that the number of incidents of rape reported to Gardaí rose by 24 percent in the last 12 months.

Overall, sexual assault-related offences, including rape, went up by 5 percent by the end of the second quarter of this year.

Sexual assault offences remain one of the most under-reported crimes to Gardaí, according to the Rape Crisis Centre who say they're getting more calls than what is represented in official figures.

CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Noeline Blackwell, says many offences are still happening at home:

"Rape and sexual abuse is still happening in private and at small gatherings in people's homes. We are seeing people in situations where they're out socialising and they're suffering from sexual assault including rape."

"It remains an area where we need to see continued increase in reporting and an increase in the building of confidence within the Gardaí so that those who are harmed, know that they can report it and know that it will be properly investigated." 

If you are affected by issues raised in this story, there are support services available.

Freephone Women's Aid on 1800 341 900 or the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 77 8888.