Rise in reports of rape ‘reflects prevalence’ of sexual violence

A leading campaigner for victims of sexual violence has welcomed a 48% increase in the number of reported rapes in Cork City since the start of the year as a sign that people are becoming more willing to come forward.

Mary Crilly, director of the Sexual Violence Centre in Cork, said the fact 49 rapes have been reported to gardaí so far this year — up from 33 for the same period last year — doesn’t mean that rape is on the increase but actually reflects the prevalence of sexual violence in Ireland today.