06/08/2018

Increase In Number Of Rape Offences In NI

The number of rape offences in Northern Ireland has risen by almost 10% in the last year, according to a police report.

Over the last 12 months reported incidents increased by 71 cases.

Nexus Chief Executive Officer Cara Cash said: "We still firmly believe that there is still under-reporting of these crimes so while the increase is welcomed, there are still many victims who do not yet feel they can come forward, many who may be blaming themselves or unsure as to what might happen.

"This is not good enough.

"The reality here is that sexual violence is never the victim's fault and we hope in some way that our own campaign 'break the silence' is helping victims and survivors understand that."

Overall, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) recorded 98,873 offences of all types, an increase of 1,035 (1%) when compared with the previous 12 months.

(CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 January 2024
Man Seriously Injured In Collision With Police Car
A man, aged in his 50s, has suffered serious leg injuries following a collision with a police car in east Belfast in the early hours of this morning, Friday 26 January. Shortly after 5.
25 January 2024
Ancient Human Remains Recovered From Bellaghy Peatland
Ancient human remains have been recovered from peatland in Bellaghy by archaeologists within the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
29 February 2024
Economy Minister Welcomes Increase In Southern Visitors To NI
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has welcomed a recorded increase in the number of visitors to NI from the Republic of Ireland. The latest visitor statistics from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), show a very strong performance on trips, nights and spend by Republic of Ireland residents in Northern Ireland in the first nine months of 2023.
05 March 2024
Chief Constable Committed To Addressing Issues In Sean Browne Investigation
The PSNI Chief Constable has said that he is committed to working with the family of Sean Browne and others impacted by the disclosure limitations of the coronial process. Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, made the commitment as he acknowledged the comments of the Coroner on the murder of GAA Official, Sean Browne, in 1997.
15 April 2024
Police Service Announce Closure Of 11 Station Enquiry Offices
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has announced a decision to permanently close 11 Station Enquiry Offices.