Dublin Rape Crisis Centre reports rise in victims using Sexual Assault Treatment Unit

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre says it received almost 2,000 calls to its helpline last December and January.

The centre, which supports victims of sexual assault, says 1,948 people made contact with their service last Christmas.

The DRCC also reported a 33% increase in the same period in the numbers being accompanied to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the Rotunda Hospital.

CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Ellen O'Malley Dunlop, says their helpline is open 24 hours a day.

She said: "We would encourage anyone to ring the 1800 77 88 88 number and za trained person at the end of the line will guide the individual.

"Or their support person, because very often it is someone with a victim who will be ringing to support the victim."

She also said victims of sexual assault will never be forced to report the incident to the Gardaí.