Under-reporting of sexual violence still major issue, RCNI figures show

For those aged 13 to 17, the most likely form of abuse was rape, with the perpetrator more likely to be a slightly older male friend, acquaintance or neighbour.

Under-reporting of sexual crime is still a major issue with latest data from the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland showing it is most acute among younger victims and older women subject to domestic violence and coercive control.

In its rape crisis statistics for 2019, based on figures from seven centres around the country, the RCNI said 1,298 people took up counselling and support, the vast majority survivors of abuse. There were also 10,706 Helpline contacts and more than 12,000 appointments.