Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Reports Record 23,955 Contacts in 2025

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) reported unprecedented demand for support in 2025, with almost 24,000 contacts to its 24-hour helpline. This total of 23,955 contacts marks the highest since the organization's founding 47 years ago, an increase of over 5% from 2024 and 29% from 2023.

Nearly half of all contacts (48.5%) were repeat callers, while 7,352 (30.7%) were first-time contacts. April 2025 was the busiest month for first-time contacts, potentially due to high-profile court cases involving sexual violence. DRCC Chief Executive Rachel Morrogh thanked those who trusted the service, acknowledging the courage required to seek help.

Young adults and adolescents frequently reported image-based sexual abuse or cyber-abuse. Parents also contacted DRCC for guidance on supporting children affected by sexual violence. There was an increase in contacts from people experiencing homelessness, with over 300 callers citing concerns related to their living conditions and fear of speaking out against abusive housemates or landlords.

Most callers sought telephone counselling, followed by therapy support and information requests. The DRCC delivered 7,270 therapy appointments, a nearly 23% increase from the previous year, supported by a growing number of therapists and new offices. In 2025, 79.5% of clients experienced sexual violence as adults, 32% as children, and 15% in both periods.

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan commended the DRCC's work and survivors' courage, reaffirming commitment to strengthening services and legislation. He announced intentions to legislate on counselling notes, aiming to ensure their release only when a judge deems them relevant to legal proceedings. This addresses fears among clients that potential use of private therapy notes in trials acts as a deterrent to seeking justice.

The DRCC's report launch coincided with the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration's examination of the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. The DRCC had previously submitted provisions on counselling notes and abusive landlord behavior, such as demanding sex for rent.