Fears as reported rapes soar by 35% in three years

THE number of reported rapes has jumped by 35% over the last three years, according to official figures.

Rape crisis centres say the rise has been accompanied by a noticeable increase in the level of violence associated with rapes.

New Department of Justice figures show that the number of reported rapes rose by 35% between 2003 and 2005, from 370 to 498.