The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has said it received at least one call every hour on its helpline during Christmas last year.
The organisation has urged survivors of sexual violence and abuse to reach out to them on their helpline.
DRCC CEO Rachel Morrogh said last year, the freephone National Rape Crisis Helpline supported a caller every hour over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephens Day.
“Sexual violence is not going to stop for Christmas,” she said.
“Christmas can be an extremely isolating and stressful time for victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault.
“It may bring very painful reminders of past abuse for some, and others may have to face perpetrators in festive gatherings, or hear unkind, thoughtless remarks from family or friends.
“We're expecting the national helpline to be very busy over the festive period.”
She noted the DRCC saw a “surge” in contacts in January – twice as many contacts as in December – and they are expecting more calls than last Christmas.
Survivors of rape 'all around us'
Figures published by the CSO in July showed 36% of women who experienced sexual violence felt too “embarrassed or ashamed” to tell someone.
Some 48% of both men and women said they did not tell anyone about their assault because “they thought what happened was not serious enough”.
Ms Morrogh said survivors of sexual violence are “all around us”.
“What you say and how you react to harmful or hurtful behaviour really matters to survivors of sexual violence,” she said.
She noted anyone who knows someone who has experienced sexual violence can seek guidance from the DRCC on how to help.
The Centre said its helpline will be staffed 24 hours a day over Christmas, with staff ready to offer free and confidential advice.
Anyone affected by the issues raised can contact the following helplines:
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre National 24-hour Helpline - 1800 778888
National Domestic Violence Helpline (for women) - 1800 341 900
Male Advice Line (for men experiencing domestic abuse) - 1800 816 588
