Demand for support at the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has reached its highest level on record, according to the organisation’s latest annual report, with almost 24,000 contacts made to its 24-hour helpline in 2025.
The figures show a total of 23,955 contacts last year, the highest level since the centre was founded 47 years ago. That represents an increase of more than 5% on 2024, and 29% on 2023, highlighting a sustained rise in demand for sexual violence support services across Ireland.
Of those reaching out, 7,352 contacts (30.7%) were first-time callers, while nearly half of all interactions (48.5%) came from repeat users of the service. April 2025 was identified as the busiest month for new contacts, a spike the centre suggests may have been linked to several high-profile court cases involving sexual violence during that period.
The DRCC said the figures reflect both increased awareness of available supports and the ongoing prevalence of sexual violence in Irish society. CEO Rachel Morrogh thanked those who contacted the service, acknowledging the difficulty of reaching out for help for the first time.
“To pick up the phone for the first time, to find the words to say out loud,” she said, highlighting the courage involved in contacting the service.
The report also points to changing patterns in the types of abuse being disclosed. Young adults and adolescents made up a significant proportion of callers reporting image-based sexual abuse and cyber-abuse, while a growing number of parents contacted the centre seeking guidance on supporting children affected by sexual violence, often occurring within relationships or social settings.
View this post on Instagram
A notable increase was also recorded among people experiencing homelessness, with more than 300 callers raising concerns linked to insecure housing situations. The DRCC said some individuals feared losing accommodation or facing further harm if they reported abuse involving landlords or housemates.
Therapy services continue to form a core part of the organisation’s work, with 7,270 therapy appointments delivered in 2025—an increase of almost 23% compared to the previous year. The centre has expanded its clinical capacity in recent years, including moving to new premises on Dublin’s quays with additional therapy rooms.
The report shows that 79.5% of clients had experienced sexual violence as adults, while 32% disclosed abuse in childhood. A further 15% reported experiencing both.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan praised the work of the centre, describing staff and volunteers as providing “tireless work and commitment” and reiterating the Government’s aim of achieving “zero tolerance” towards sexual and gender-based violence.
The Minister has also signalled plans to legislate on counselling notes, aiming to restrict access to therapy records in court unless a judge determines they are directly relevant. The DRCC has warned that fears around confidentiality and legal disclosure may deter some survivors from seeking support or pursuing justice.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Morrogh said it is difficult to determine whether the rise in contacts reflects more incidents or more reporting, but stressed that sexual violence remains deeply widespread.
She said there is still a “pervasive nature” to the issue across society, while noting that increased engagement with support services may also indicate greater trust and awareness.
The centre’s report also highlights a significant demographic shift, with the largest group of callers now under the age of 30, raising concerns about the impact of sexual violence on younger people.
Morrogh said that while increased reporting can be seen as a sign of progress in awareness, the overall trend remains worrying.
“So, it’s clear to us that this war against sexual violence is not one that we’re winning.”
