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THERE WAS A “disturbing increase in sexual violence” reported to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre last year.
Its latest report revealed that over 12,000 calls were handled by the national 24 hour helpline in 2013 – the highest figure since 2009.
DRCC supports victims of sexual attacks – it said most cases of rape and other sex crimes were carried out by somebody known to the victim.
There were 9,614 genuine calls made to the organisation – that’s an increase of 5% compared to 2012.
It revealed that 43% of calls related to adult rape and that 3,928 calls were first time contacts.
CEO of DRCC, Ellen O’Malley Dunlop, said “Unfortunately, the last year has seen a disturbing increase in sexual violence.
There was an increase of 672 calls from men and women in 2013 which related to adult sexual assault. This was a shocking increase of 21% compared with 2012.
The organisation also reported that 22% of callers were men.
Treatment and Reporting
Last year – 231 victims of rape and sexual assault were accompanied by trained DRCC Volunteers at the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit.
In term of reports being made to Gardai – there were 284 cases where the reporting status was known, of them 106 (37%) were reported.
Of the 106 reported cases- 81% related to rape and sexual assault and 19% related to childhood sexual abuse.
The outcome information was known for 38 cases of the 106 cases.
The outcome of the five cases which went to trial was four convictions or guilty pleas and one acquittal.
O’Malley-Dunlop said, “We welcome the promise of the proposed Sexual Offences Bill which we hope will ensure that the perpetrators of this most heinous crime are caught and appropriately punished.
While we still have some way to go in challenging these old myths, especially those that blame the victim, having laws in place that support justice for victims while at the same time respecting an accused person’s right to a fair trial, will go a long way to curbing sexual crimes in our society.
“Victims will be more inclined not to drop out of the criminal justice system and we will see more cases going to trial.”
Looking forward
Angela McCarthy, Head of Clinical Services at DRCC said: “This has been a tough year in terms of delivering crisis counselling and long-term therapy, because of a reduction of 18% in therapists staffing levels in the first quarter of 2013.
As the feedback and testimony of so many clients attest, the availability of individual crisis counselling and therapy are vital to help them on their journey of recovery.
The CEO of the DRCC, Ellen O’Malley Dunlop, says the organisation won’t be able to handle the extra volume if its funding is cut any further.
“As a consequence of the cuts, management and staff have been on frozen salaries since 2008 plus salary cuts ranging from 5%-20%.
It is not fair, ethical nor does it make economic sense to cut services to some of the most vulnerable in our society and, unless the grant is maintained at a reasonable level, we will not be able to respond to the needs of the victims contacting us.
Anyone affected by this story can call the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s national 24 hour helpline on 1800 77 88 88
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Horrible to see this news, but could it be said that reporting is on the rise? That would be a positive takeaway wouldn’t it, that more victims feel they can approach and trust in the service?
If there were higher convictions in rape cases the number of reports would probably be higher. Lack of reporting is generally due to an unreliable justice system.
And victim shaming, and a culture of refusing to believe victims
Like Richard on here…
My problem with the DRCC is that their Reports are always linked to money and services and always coincide with the pre Budget period . While that is somewhat predictable I notice that their numbers are always higher then preceding years and usually these data are combined with lurid but untrue date rape stories to draw as much attention as possible.
The fact is that none of these data are either verifiable or subject to audit and I think that we need to find a way to assess their workload before we simply assess to their demands on an emotive basis and just hand over scarce State funds.The idea of providing monies to those who shout the loudest or tell us the most horrific stories are over.
So basically what you are saying is ‘bitches be lying’ nice. What were they saying about victim blaming again? Does that also apply to the 22% of victims who are male? To people raped as children? To those 87% who were attacked by someone they know? Where is your evidence of the ‘lurid but untrue date rape stories’ ? Cop on.
‘Lurid but untrue’ stories of date rape? How do you know they’re untrue!? You’re basically saying that everything the organisation stated is not true. They are putting this info into the public and I suppose they are therefore open to the kind of criticism you have leveled at them. However, I would have thought their data is more reliable given the public release of the report. – as you say, they are appealing for no further cuts to funding, so wouldn’t you think they need to be very sure of their report conclusions etc?
Tell me. Of all the causes you could be devils advocate for. Why this? Why be am apologist for rape?
You seem pretty sure that their figures are invented, Richard. Care to share your evidence?
I fear that you’re one of those men who can’t face the idea that rape happens, so you convince yourself that every victim is just lying to get attention or money.
How dare you Richard. I turned to the DRCC when I finally felt brave enough to break a 20 year silence of child rape. Quite frankly, without their support I doubt I would be here today answering your pathetic comment.
Rape happens. And other than paying €60 per hour to a private counsellor (people tend to need minimum 1 year of sessions, 1 every couple of weeks or more in crisis situations), you can opt to be put on the 12 MONTH waiting list to attend the state funded counselling set up for survivor of clerical and institutional abuse. Just picture it: silent for 20 years and finally build up the strength to make a phone call to seek help and told you have to wait 12 months more!! The DRCC is literally a life saver for many. Yes they fund raise, I myself ran 2 Dublin Mini Marathons for them but they need government funding too. Perhaps if the government put a bit of effort into actually applying a decent justice system against perpetrators, mandatory sentencing etc then there wouldn’t be as many rapes? I don’t know what the answer is but I do know your comment was uncalled for given the life shattering consequences resulting from both adult and child rape.
Maybe now the government will support the RCC with all the extra money it has….But I doubt it.
I am a firm proponent of the RCC but I have to say, I’m a bit sceptical they came out with this just as Budget 2014 is being formulated.
There’s no need to be sceptical, they are quite openly pointing out that they can’t handle further cuts in the budget. Hence the timing.
Their annual report comes out this time every year! It’s simply the date it is published.
Seriously dirty sickos out there! The amount of abuse that goes on.
have your say