Rape centre witnesses hike in sexual violence cases

MORE survivors of sexual violence than ever have been turning to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre in Waterford, desperate for help. Among them are a growing number of foreign nationals.

Figures from the service released yesterday show that there has been a 14% increase in numbers looking for help. The Waterford centre, 21 years in service, is one of the country’s longest-established.

Waterford centre manager Sheila Vereker said they would love to see a situation in the future where they were no longer needed.