The number of victims of rape and sexual assault attending the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in the Rotunda Hospital has more than doubled since 2001, according to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC).
320 people attended the unit in 2007 compared to 158 in 2001. All were accompanied by volunteers from the DRCC.
The figures were revealed at the launch of the DRCC's 2nd Awareness Raising Campaign by the Minister for Equality, Disability and Mental Health John Moloney this morning.
DRCC Chief Executive Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop said she hoped the campaign would encourage victims of rape and sexual abuse to lift the phone and call the national helpline number on 1 800 77 88 88.
"This campaign is about encouraging people who have suffered a recent rape, sexual assault or a past rape or childhood sexual abuse, to come forward and avail of the help that is here in the rape crisis centres country wide," she said.
"This will hopefully be their first step towards the promise that there is a new beginning at the end of the line for each and every person who makes that call."
The second phase of the awareness campaign will be launched in January with three specially designed television ads.
"This is a time of year when the number of people accompanied to the SATU by our volunteers increases dramatically. The message for the victims of sexual violence and abuse is again one of hope that you can come through this with the help that is available in the rape crisis centres," said Ms O'Malley-Dunlop.