The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) launched its annual report and statistics in July. Ellen O’Malley Dunlop, CEO of DRCC said that since the recession there had been a disturbing increase in calls to the national helpline from victims of adult sexual violence. Between 2009 and 2012 there was a 23 per cent increase in first time callers.

Ms O’Malley Dunlop said that 54% of calls to the helpline related to adult sexual violence. 41% of sexual abuse incidents disclosed by 322 new clients in 2012 included other forms of violence, such as physical and psychological abuse, intimidation and threats to kill. “This reflects what we know from international research, that sexual violence and violence against women in particular, increases in times of economic recession. This is not a time to cut funding to frontline services like the DRCC” she said.

Detailing the volume of work undertaken by DRCC staff, who are represented by IMPACT, the report showed that;

• 12,040 contacts were handled by the DRCC’s National 24-Hour Helpline
• 4,046 calls were first time contacts
• There was an increase of 23% compared with first-time calls in 2010
• 54% of calls related to adult sexual violence, (including rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and trafficking)
• 45% of calls related to childhood sexual abuse, including suspected abuse.

Angela McCarthy, Director of Clinical Services at DRCC said that the impact of the Ryan and Murphy Reports is still being experienced as large numbers of victims continue to seek therapy. In 2012, 54% of clients of DRCC were victims of childhood sexual abuse. She said that, prior to the Ryan and Murphy reports in 2008, the percentage of clients receiving counselling for childhood sexual abuse was 46%.

This short video features a brief introduction by CEO, Ellen O'Malley Dunlop and the story of 'Cara' gives an insight into the kind of situations that clients are reporting to DRCC counsellors. The report was launched by Justice & Law Reform Minister Alan Shatter TD. More information is available HERE.