Disclosure of sexual violence

A disclosure of sexual violence happens when someone informs another person, or a service, about what happened to them. Disclosures can take place years after an incident, or incidents, or in the immediate aftermath.

Many victims/survivors may never feel able to disclose the sexual violence they have experienced. In Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, we recognise the importance of not placing pressure on victim/survivors to disclose or to tell their stories unless they choose to do so.

While some victim/survivors may never disclose an experience of sexual violence, others will find relief, comfort and safety in making a disclosure. The CSO Sexual Violence Survey found that the most common reason for disclosing sexual violence was to access support and the second most common reason was motivated by helping others and preventing further victimisation.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre supports victim/survivors to make disclosures of sexual violence to whomever they wish to do so and believes it is their decision if and when they might choose to report sexual violence to the Gardaí.

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Disclosure of childhood sexual violence experiences

25% of male and 44% of female victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence ever disclosed this experience to anyone.  
Only 2% of male and 6% of female victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence ever disclosed this experience to the police. 
Source: CSO Sexual Violence Survey 


Disclosures of adulthood sexual violence experiences

  • Only 41% of male and 44% of female victims and survivors of adulthood sexual violence ever disclosed this experience to anyone.

  • Only 2% of male and 6% of female victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence ever disclosed this experience to the police. 

Source: CSO Sexual Violence Survey 

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 05/02/2025. 

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