Reported sex attacks in Northern Ireland are continuing to rise, a new report revealed today.
The Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre published startling levels of rapes and child abuse its staff are being informed of.
Director Eileen Calder said: "There's been a small but steady increase since the 1990s.
"People are now more willing to report and speak about these things.
"We have no way of knowing scientifically if the level of sexual violence is increasing or people are more willing to come forward, but its not getting any lower or any better.
"It's just not going away."
In its annual report, the Rape Crisis Centre recorded 851 reported rapes.
These could have happened at any time and most are carried out by men known, trusted or even loved by the victim.
There were also 803 cases of child sex abuse; 101 other sexual assaults; and 191 cases where the client did not specify the type of abuse or whether the victim was a child or adult.
A total 6,147 calls about sexual violence and abuse were received during 2004, including 1,946 first contact calls.
"When we first opened in 1982 we were only receiving 300 first contact calls a year," Ms Calder added.
"Unfortunately our funding has not risen commensurate with our experience and increased workload.
"Were it not for the dedication of our staff, volunteers and management committee, who work long hours for which they are not paid, the centre would not survive."
PA