There was a 22% decrease in the numbers who presented at a sexual assault treatment unit last year.
So that's compared to 2019.
A quarter of victims were under the age of 18 according to the HSE's annual report.
Lockdown Wiped Out Bars And Nightclubs
The decrease is the numbers is being chalked up to the pandemic.
Lockdown saw the virtual elimination of nightclubs and bars.
However National clinical lead with the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit is Dr Maeve Eogan.
She says the 22% decline dispels a big myth about sexual violence.
"That myth as disappeared now."
"It's not all just related to pubs and clubs."
"People make flippant comments about others making unsafe decisions in unsafe scenarios."
"This is a pervasive issue that we need to respond to appropriately."
"Also, we need to have open conversations about what we all do in society."
She adds, "Yes the numbers have fallen, but they've only fallen by a fifth."
🆕176 people under 18 were treated in sexual assault treatment units last year pic.twitter.com/U0QgMppY5u
— Eoghan Murphy (@eoghanymurphy) June 30, 2021
People Who Rape Their Friends Won't Call It Rape
73% of the 734 victims knew their attacker.
The report found that in 9% of cases, there was multiple attackers.
Mary Crilly is Director of the Cork Rape Crisis Centre.
"One thing you'll find with these guys who are raping their friends is that they won't call it rape."
"They just say that they had it off and she can't remember it."
"So they will not call it rape, they'll go into total denial."
24% of victims were under 18, including 12 victims who were under 14.
