The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre says there has been a 23% increase in the number of first time callers to its helpline since 2010. This is proof, it says, that sexual violence increases during recession.
Its annual report for 2012 shows that it dealt with over 12,000 calls last year and it accompanied 260 victims of recent rape and assault to hospital for treatment.
Of the more than 12,000 calls he vast majority were from women.
Over half related to adult sexual violence and 45% related to childhood abuse. This is seen as a knock-on effect from the publication of the Murphy and Ryan reports.
The Minister for Justice Alan Shatter says legislation on a DNA Database will be published in September and will be up and running next year. He says it will play a vital role in solving sex crimes.
Minister Shatter described sexual violence as a "blight" on the country.
"I think we would all agree that rape and sexual assaults are abhorrences that blight our country" he said.
"Your report gives interesting insights into the numbers you're dealing with".
"This remains an area of great concern and importance" he added.
The CEO of the DRCC Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop has described the figures as shocking. She says the figures are further evidence that sexual violence increases during a recession.
