Calls surge triggered by abuse reports

A SURGE of 45% in first-time callers to rape crisis support services last year was triggered by the release of two damning abuse reports.

Releasing its annual report yesterday, the Dublin Rape Crises Centre warned of a rise in child sex abuse reports and called for increased resources for victims to help limit the number of would-be rapists in society.

Marking the centre’s 30th year, chief executive Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop said that services for victims had never been in such demand as they were today.