The number of reports of rape made to gardaí is up 21% on last year.
According to provisional crime statistics for the first six months of 2022, reports of overall sexual offences are down slightly yet the number of reported rapes is growing.
The statistics also show a continued increase in the number of domestic violence incidents reported to gardaí, which is up 13% on last year’s figure.
CEO of Women’s Aid Sarah Benson says awareness campaigns may be making victims more forthcoming in reporting crimes:
"It's hard to know what the causal factor is in the increase of reports to domestic abuse to the Gardaí. We hope that it is due to increased awareness amongst victims and survivors of the supports that are there because the Gardaí remain a critical first responder for women and others who may be in very dangerous situations."
