62% of Sexual Violence Centre clients were students

It was today announced that 62% of clients of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork in 2016 were students. The Centre, located on Camden Place just across the river from Patrick's Street, released its annual report for 2016 today. The report contains statements from the Chairperson of its Board of Directors, Anne McCarthy, and from the Director of the Centre, Mary Crilly, as well as reports on its aims, work, social media accounts & finances and a series of statistics.The statistics were primarily about the clients who presented to the Centre in 2016, and showed a demographic breakdown, with some examples being:

• 91% of clients are female (9% male).
• 87% of clients were residents of Cork (city & county).
• 74% of perpetrators were known to the victim.
• 45% of crimes were reported to An Garda Síochána.
• 27% of clients were survivors of child sexual abuse.
• 15% of clients were aged between 14 and 18.

As noted above, 62% of clients noted they were students. It should be stated that this figure includes students from all Colleges/Universities, as well as second-level schools. 35% of clients stated their occupation as students (i.e. full-time students), however it's possible that the gap between these stats is covered by students who have full & part-time jobs outside of their studies. The Sexual Violence Centre was one of the main charities who received funding as part of this year's UCC RAG Week fundraising efforts.25% of assaults occurred in the victim's house, while 22% occurred in the perpetrator's house; 4% occurred in the school or workplace. 23% of perpetrators were aged between 18 & 23, 77% of perpetrators were Irish and 20% of perpetrators were family members. A full breakdown of statistics can be found here.To learn more about the Sexual Violence Centre Cork, read their annual report or visit their social media: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. To learn more about the Centre's Director, Mary Crilly, read our interview with her from earlier this year.If you have been affected by any of the content in the report or in this article, you can call the Sexual Violence Centre Cork on 1800 496 496, email them on info@sexualviolence.ie or call into the Centre at 5 Camden Place, open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. If you are in need of immediate help, the Samaritans are there to help. Their 24hr helpline can be reached by calling 116 123.