Only 6% of sex assaults carried out by strangers

SEXUAL violence is most likely to happen in the home or by a relative or partner of the victim, according to analysis of reports to support services last year.

Statistics reveal that 90% of perpetrators of one-off incidents of rape or sexual violence notified to Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) last year were known to the victim, with one in three being family members or other relatives.

But the family home or the home of the victim emerged as the location of most incidents, prompting a warning that people should look closely at relationships within their circles of trust.