The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has recorded an increase of 36% in the number of victims of recent rape & sexual assault to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin in 2015

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, CEO of DRCC said: “The 36% increase in 2015, in the number of victims accompanied to the SATU in Dublin, in comparison to 2014 is very concerning. We have yet to analyse these figures as to why there has been such an increase.

We have noted that in the UK 400 offences including rape, child sex grooming and attempted murder, have been connected by the police to users of dating apps. Today in Dublin, Conor O’Keeffe was jailed by Justice Sarah Berkeley for having sex with a 15 year old girl he met after grooming her using a fake social media profile.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre would warn potential users of these apps that there are perpetrators using these apps to prey on vulnerable people and to be as security conscious as possible and not to share personal data with anyone until they are sure about those they are communicating with.

We would strongly encourage users to report offences and seek support if they become a victim of any type of crime.”

DRCC’s  National 24-Hour Helpline 1800 77 8888

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