24,000 calls to Rape Crisis Centre
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) recorded the busiest year in its 47-year history in 2025, with the National Rape Crisis Helpline receiving 23,955. An unprecedented demand across all frontline services, according to its newly published Annual Report. “These data also speak to a wider social reality, where sexual violence remains pervasive,” DRCC’s chief executive Rachel Morrogh said.
The organisation said the figures demonstrate the importance of sustained telephone counselling support, with many callers returning for ongoing assistance. 7,352 were calls from people contacting it for the first time. The organisation also reported a major increase in accompaniment services for survivors attending Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATU), Garda interviews and court proceedings. In total, DRCC carried out more than 850 accompaniment sessions in 2025, including over 500 at the SATU in Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital. Support at the SATU alone increased by 34% compared with 2024.
Launching the report in Dublin, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan described the figures as “stark” and said they highlighted both the scale of sexual violence and the “extraordinary work” being carried out by DRCC staff and volunteers. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening supports, legislation and cultural change aimed at achieving zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
DRCC Chairperson Anne Marie James said growing demand for services required “flexibility, resilience, and a continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care.” She also pointed to emerging concerns around online sexual violence, including deepfake imagery, as evidence of the need for further legal and social reform.
Senator Sarah O'Reilly said the figures were “deeply concerning” and called for stronger action on violent pornography, arguing that exposure to degrading and aggressive content contributes to harmful attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls. She welcomed moves to strengthen legislation in this area but urged the Government to fast-track reforms.
“It takes enormous courage for survivors to pick up the phone and seek help. The increase in contacts shows how vital services like the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre are, but it also highlights the scale of sexual and gender-based violence across society,” said Senator Sarah O’Reilly.