Sexual offending

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Sexual offences recorded by An Garda Síochana

The Irish sexual crime statistics included in the graph above are recorded in Garda Pulse data under the Irish Crime Classification System.

Sexual offences detection by An Garda Síochana

Just over a fifth of reported sexual offences led to a charge or summons between 2018 and 2022. 
Between 70% and 80% of sexual offences reported to the police between 2018 and 2023 have remained “undetected", i.e. no charge or summons has been issued connected to a reported sexual violence crime.  
Source: Central Statistics Office

A crime is considered “detected” if it has led to a charge or summons - see the CSO site for more.

A crime can also be recorded as “detected” if a decision has been taken not to prosecute for several specific reasons, such as that the victim or an essential witness refuses or is permanently unable, the perpetrator dies before proceedings can start, or where the Director of Public Prosecutions or relevant District Officer decides that the public interest would not be well served by proceeding.

Attendance at Sexual Assault Treatment Units

Sexual Assault Treatment Units provide specialised medical care after sexual violence and offer forensic examinations where evidence is gathered following a sexual assault or rape. There are two options open to anyone having a forensic examination:  

  • They can have the evidence gathered and passed directly to Gardaí (Option 1), or if they are not sure whether they wish to report the incident to Gardaí, they can store the evidence for up to one year in the SATU unit (Option 3). 
  • They can also attend a SATU for a health check without making a Garda report, or forensic evidence being collected (Option 2). 

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre accompaniment support in justice system

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre provides a specialised support service to assist people who report sexual violence to An Garda Síochána or another authority, and/or who attend court or other proceedings about sexual violence.  

Disclaimer  

The data in this section of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s website are taken from multiple reliable sources with the aim of giving a picture of the landscape of sexual violence in Ireland. Data are linked to the original source throughout.  

We aim to ensure data is updated regularly, but for the most up-to-date information, please use the links and references provided to access the data from the source.  

The data on this page was accessed on 25/04/2025. 

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is not responsible for the data reproduced here which originates from other organisations and which we present to highlight the issue of sexual violence in Ireland. You can contact the individual organisations as indicated with any questions on specific pieces of information. 

Please remember that free, confidential and non-judgmental support is there 24/7 for anyone affected by sexual violence, including family and friends of victims and survivors, on the National Helpline at 1800 778888.