RCNI Press Release - 21 November 2011

New data shows that home is where sexual violence was more likely in 2010.

New data released today by Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) reveals that the perpetrator is known to the survivor in nine out of 10 single incidents of rape or sexual violence. Sexual abuse of children by strangers is as low as 3%.

Over one third of perpetrators are family members or relatives and another third are friends, acquaintances and neighbours. Sexual abuse by someone within the family, or circle of trust, increases to nearly 50% for survivors who were children when subjected to one incident of sexual violence.

Speaking in advance of the publication of the RCNI’s Annual Report for 2010 next Wednesday (November 23), Director Fiona Neary said that the reality in Ireland was that most people were at greater risk of rape or sexual violence within their “circle of trust” than they were among strangers.

The family home, and the survivors own home, remain the main location of perpetration of sexual violence. One out of four survivors of one incident disclosed that the rape or sexual violence took place in their own homes. Partners or ex-partners were named as the perpetrators by nearly three out of 10 survivors who were adults when the sexual violence took place. This has great significance for safey messages which continue to focus singularly on violence outside of the home and by strangers.

“Home is more often than not where the sexual harm is,” Fiona Neary said. “Coming into this Christmas season, women in particular, will be warned to stay safe and vigilant around strangers when they are out for the festivities. But the reality is that people are at far greater danger from those they already know and probably trust. When we talk about safety and sexual violence, it is time to switch the focus to the actions of the perpetrator. Therefore it is essential that we look at our relationships within our circles of trust. This includes challenging sexual aggressive behaviour, bullying and manipulation..”

RCNI will release its full annual statistics for 2010 which paint a picture of a support system under severe pressure. Almost across the board, the statistics show an increasing demand for services at a time when resources are being cut back.

The Annual Report will be launched by Frances Fitzgerald TD., Minister for Children and Youth Affairs at the National Library, starting at 2:30, November 23.


Home truths about rape and sexual violence in Ireland in 2010:

The following statistics refer to 80% of all survivors who were subjected to a single incident of violence.

• Nine out of 10 perpetrators were known to the survivors.
• One third of perpetrators were family members or relatives.
• Strangers accounted for 6% of perpetrators
• Partners were named as perpetrators by 11% of survivors..
• For those subjected of sexual violence as children, 49% of perpetrators were family members or relatives and 30% were friends, acquaintances and neighbours.
• Survivors who were adults when the the sexual violence took place said that 39% of perpetrators were family and relatives, followed by partners and ex-partners at 28%.