Irish Examiner View: Lockdown cuts sexual attacks - Number of consultations halved

At a moment when we must show empathy and solidarity with pandemic victims it is very important not to forget, and to do all we can, to protect those who face a very different kind of toxic threat.

The number of people presenting at sexual assault treatment centres for the period March 12 to April 9 was slightly above half that number for the same period last year.

In 2019, 61 cases were dealt with, this year 32. It may be tempting to say “just 32” but even that number is challenging, especially as other cases may be seen elsewhere or not be reported at all.