‘Rape myths dispelled’ by virus lockdown

Dr Maeve Eogan: "“It actually, in a funny way, is representing a kind of case-control study, so we can see what is the impact of pubs and clubs — and their closure does not eliminate sexual violence.”

The national director of Ireland’s sexual assault treatment units says the Covid-19 outbreak is helping to dispel “myths” around rape, with one person presenting each day despite the lockdown.

Dr Maeve Eogan, who is based at the Rotunda Hospital, in Dublin, said presentations at the country’s six SATUs are 50% of the normal volume, and that sexual violence has not stopped because of the pandemic and associated restrictions.