Drop in recorded sexual crime “hugely concerning”

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said data showing a drop in the number of recorded sexual offences may signal a decline in the willingness of survivors to report such offences.

Commenting on new figures published by the Central Statistics Office, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Chief Executive, Rachel Morrogh, said: “The new CSO data shows a 19% drop in the number of recorded sexual crime incidents, falling from 3,951 to 3,189 in the year to Q2 2026 compared with Q2 2025. These new figures are hugely concerning. Our own data indicates that these new figures are not a sign that sexual violence rates are decreasing, but that people may be becoming more reluctant to seek justice. This is further evidence that official justice statistics do not reflect the magnitude of sexual offences in Ireland. This trend must be reversed and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre urges survivors to talk to us and discuss what options and supports are available to them.

“We are alarmed that the drop is not a blip in the data. Recorded sexual offences have fallen by 15% since 2023, and are now at their lowest level in four years. There has been a deepening year-on-year drop in each of the CSO’s last three quarterly releases. By contrast, at the same time, demand for Dublin Rape Crisis Centre services has been experiencing significant increases. Since 2023, the number of survivors coming to us for therapy has grown by almost 70% and contacts with our National Helpline have risen by 29%.

“Given that Dublin Rape Crisis Centre data indicates that sexual violence rates aren’t decreasing, the drop in recorded sexual crime incidents by An Garda Siochana reveals the widening gap between all people's right to justice and the number of survivors of sexual violence who feel that they can exercise that right. Research published this week shows that fear of not being believed and a concern at being stigmatised are acting as barriers to people disclosing what someone did to them. It’s critical that these barriers are dismantled to encourage more people to seek justice and ultimately ensure that more perpetrators are held accountable for the harm they caused.

“Victims of sexual violence already face a long road to justice and the figures published today add further evidence for the important role of survivor-centred supports, such as Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s Justice Accompaniment Service.

“For any survivors of sexual violence who may be discouraged or unsure about reporting a sexual offence, we greatly encourage you to call us on 1800 77 88 88. Whether you decide to report or not, we will be there for you every step of the way.”

ENDS/

 

Notes for Editors

 

1. The new CSO data is available at https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-rc/recordedcrimeq22026/
2. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's Ipsos research into attitudes to sexual violence is available at https://www.drcc.ie/news-resources/resources/briefing-note-key-findings-of-the-2026-drcc-attitudes-research/
3. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence. It also offers a wide range of training and education to professionals and volunteers.  
4. The Signs of Hope campaign platforms powerful messages of hope and encouragement from survivors to others who have not yet reached out for support – learn more at https://www.drcc.ie/signsofhope/
5. We-Consent is a long-term national programme to inform, educate and engage with all members of our society about consent. More information and resources at https://www.we-consent.ie/
6. You can donate towards Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s work on www.drcc.ie/donate
7. Other DRCC services and work: 
   • DRCC operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A webchat support service is available online at drcc.ie Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. A Helpline Interpreting Service is available for those who do not speak English - more at https://bit.ly/DRCClang
   • For those contacting the Helpline who are deaf or hard of hearing, we provide a text service, operating Mon-Fri from 8am to 6:30pm, at 086-8238443 and we also have a webchat service available Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays.
   • Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at www.drcc.ie/fyw in the Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence guide.
   • DRCC offers counselling & therapy to adult survivors of sexual violence and to older adolescents from 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent.
   • We provide accompaniment support for the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas, by arrangement.   
   • We have outreach offices at Coolock, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Balbriggan & Tallaght. Access to these services must be arranged via the National Helpline 1800 778888 during working hours, Mon-Fri.   
8. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists should remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88  for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.