'It is just the tip of the iceberg': Calls to Rape Crisis helpline reach new record

The level of sexual violence disclosed to Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) last year was the highest in the organisation’s 46-year history, their annual report has revealed. 

Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, will launch the report in Dublin today, May 29.

Speaking ahead of the event, he said, “Sexual violence is a crime that has historically been underreported and this is something I am committed to addressing, and something that is changing as complainants become more confident in our justice system.

"Many of the figures and statistics in this latest report from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre are hugely concerning but I am encouraged that a significant percentage of those who seek support from DRCC also report to An Garda Síochána. I commend Rachel Morrogh and her team at Dublin Rape Crisis Centre for their excellent work and unwavering commitment," Minister O'Callaghan added. 

Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, spoke on the concerning figures, saying, “For the first time ever, contacts with the National Rape Crisis Helpline broke the 20,000 mark. In fact, engagement with the National Helpline increased by over 20% from 2023, bringing the number of contacts to almost 23,000. There are likely a number of drivers behind the increased demand for our 24-hour listening service, including that survivors feel increasingly confident about where to find non-judgmental support, but also the reality that sexual violence is still an insidious and common occurrence in modern Ireland.

“Although we are encouraged by the marked rise in the number of survivors contacting us, we know that this is a fraction of the thousands of people living with trauma who have not yet sought support. Our message to them today is that they are not invisible to us, that they deserve support, and that when they feel ready to talk, we are ready to listen.

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“Last year, the sharpest increase in activity across all our frontline supports was reported by our Therapy Service. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s counsellors held almost 6,000 counselling sessions with survivors, an increase of 57% compared to 2023. Specialised counselling unlocks healing for many survivors of sexual violence and we are proud to have supported 637 women and men last year. The number of therapy clients increased by 28%, or 140 people.

“While many people choose not to make a report to An Garda Siochana about what happened to them, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre therapy clients do so at much higher rates than the national average. The Central Statistics Office has reported that tiny numbers of people who have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime have reported it to the Gardai. There are many reasons for this, ranging from a fear of not being believed or thinking they are in some way to blame or that what happened was not serious enough. Amongst our new therapy clients last year however, the reporting rate was 27%.

“We are honoured to support our clients through the justice system, which can be a very difficult process for many. Every time there is a conviction and sentence for a sexual offence, we know it is felt as a victory for those who will never have their day in court or have the validation and catharsis of a guilty verdict," concluded Ms Morrogh. 

Chairperson of the organisation’s Board of Directors, Anne Marie James said: “Yet again we saw an increase in victims contacting Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, but we know it is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the number of people who have been affected by sexual violence. 

“Our efforts to heal the harm and to reach more survivors will continue in 2025. We will also continue our advocacy work to ensure a more victim centred justice system. It is critical that from a funding and resourcing perspective that we are supported to expand to meet the need for our support.

“We also need laws and regulation that keep pace with emerging threats. There are real-world consequences of legislative inaction and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre clients are bearing those consequences. The violence, cruelty and harm of online content is informing acts of sexual violence and urgently needs much stronger and braver regulation to better protect people," Ms James stated. 

Free, confidential and non-judgmental support for anyone affected by sexual violence is on the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888.