Rape crisis calls - Rape will rise where it is tolerated

The latest report on the incidence of rape, the most heinous of crimes against women, reflects a truly shocking picture of society where sexual violence, including gang rape, is now increasing alarmingly.

It is dispiriting to learn that during the past year the 24-hour national helpline of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre dealt with more than 12,000 contacts from victims of sexual assault. Behind the cold statistics, one can only imagine the sheer terror of the women who were attacked so viciously.

This report shows an increase of 23% in first-time callers to the centre compared to the 2010 figure. Frighteningly, the same increasing trend was also seen in 2011, when the number of first-time callers to the centre rose by 18%.