Rise in number of calls to rape crisis helpline

The number of rape victims seeking help has doubled in the last three years.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre answered almost 16,000 calls on its 24 hour helpline in 2006.

Over 120 rape and sexual assault cases were reported to the Gardaí - resulting in five convictions.

Chief Executive of the Rape Crisis Centre, Ellen O'Malley Dunlop, said the level of violence is also increasing.

"Sometimes we have to deal with horrendous stories and our volunteers are unbelievably shaken by what they have to experience," she said.