Crime figures - Worrying rise in rape incidence

WHILE the fall in the incidence of “headline” crime is to be welcomed, the ongoing rise in the number of serious sexual offences being perpetrated in Ireland is extremely disturbing.

According to the latest figures from the gardaí, crimes of murder and assault are both down. So far this year, there have been 35 murders, compared to 28 in the first nine months of 2003.

Depressingly, however, the incidence of rape reflects a deeply worrying pattern, continuing the upward trend witnessed in recent times.