Some 45,000 calls were made to 15 rape crisis centres across the State in 2004 according to figures released by Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI).
The figures are contained in the first national report on rape and sexual abuse launched this afternoon by Tanaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney.
The National Rape Crisis Statistics 2004 showed the extent and nature of sexual violence in Ireland and the increasing demands made upon front line services.
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Rape crisis centres (RCCs) saw an estimated 2,289 survivors face to face for support and on-going counselling in 2004. More than half of those attending RCCs had suffered child sexual abuse with 34% reporting rape in adult life.
Only 2.1% of the sexual violence reported by survivors occurred in an institutional setting, with 97.9% of incidents occurring within the community and family.
Male relatives were by far the most common abuser in the case of child victims with friends and acquaintances being the principle perpetrators in the case of adult victims.
Speaking at the launch Ms Harney said the statistics made for depressing reading and were something "none of us can be proud of."
"I have asked the Health Service Executive to urgently examine the optimum service requirements for victims of rape, in respect of both medical treatment and counselling services, with a view to bringing forward proposals for future service needs."
RCNI executive director Fiona Neary appealed to the Tanaiste to address the current under-funding of the rape crisis centres.
"The level of funding currently received can best be described as severely inadequate to meet the current needs. The sector has experienced an effective capping since 2002, giving rise to a funding crisis with the sector, which must be addressed in 2005."
She added: "Today, Minister, we invite you to reform this false economising and be part of a meaningful and lasting response to sexual violence in Ireland, through delivering adequate funding to early intervention front-line services."