Increase in reporting of rape by a stranger

MORE people are reporting rape or sexual assault committed by a stranger or someone they just met, while a growing number of victims are also suffering physical violence, psychological abuse and intimidation.

Latest statistics released by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) show 51% of victims were raped or sexually assaulted by people not known to them, a 14% increase in the five-year period since 2003.

The centre’s 2008 report also shows 38% of people endured physical violence, psychological abuse and intimidation in addition to rape and sexual abuse – up 5% on 2007 figures.