15 children under 14 years of age were the victims of alleged sexual assaults last year.
They were among almost 950 people who presented at sexual assault treatment units in 2019.
#Covid19 We are maintaining our vital crisis services throughout higher Level 5 restrictions. The National Helpline 1800 77 8888 is open at all times to support those who may need it. Please go to our new website to see the range of support services: https://t.co/JrlNlPxA46
— Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (@DublinRCC) November 6, 2020
Slight Increase On 2018 Figures Noticed
The HSE has six sexual assault treatment units - in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Letterkenny, Mullingar and Waterford.
According to details released under the Freedom of Information Act, 943 people attended them last year.
It's a slight increase on 941 in 2018 and 9 per cent more than the 865 in 2017.
Last year the highest number of presentations was in the unit in the Rotunda in Dublin, at 393, followed by 144 in the South Infirmary in Cork, and 122 in Mullingar Regional Hospital.
93 per cent of the patients who attended all the units last year were female and 7 per cent were men.
The average age of patients was 26.
However, 15 people were under the age of 14 years and seven people were over the age of 70.
