Over one in four adults in Ireland have experienced sexual violence, a new report has found, with women, younger adults, bisexual people and gay men facing significantly higher risks.

The report was published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and Cuan, as part of their Joint Research Programme on Adult Sexual Violence in Ireland. Its aim was to provide new evidence about the experiences of sexual violence among adults in the country.

The study draws on data from the 2022 Central Statistics Office Sexual Violence Survey, examining patterns of sexual violence and identifying population groups who are most at risk.

26% of people in Ireland have experienced sexual violence as an adult, the report found. Women were considerably more likely than men to face sexual violence, with 39% reporting incidents compared to 12% of men.

Bisexual individuals reported the highest levels of sexual violence, with 55% facing incidents. Over 80% of perpetrators were male.

This study highlighted that, “while sexual violence is pervasive across Irish society, there are a number of population subgroups that report higher rates of sexual violence, particularly women, younger people and those from sexual minority groups.”

The majority of people who reported sexual violence experiences said they were aged between 18 and 24 when it first happened. Of those who reported facing incidents, 25% said they experienced violence at the hands of their intimate partner, 40% experienced non-intimate partner violence, and 35% reported experiencing both intimate partner and non-intimate partner sexual violence.

A notable finding is that, in cases of non-intimate partner violence, friends, acquaintances, neighbours, and family members were more commonly identified as perpetrators than strangers.

The study examined seven types of sexual violence, finding that non-consensual touching of breasts/genitals was the most common type reported. This was followed by other attempted sexual contact and attempted sexual intercourse.

6% of people reported experiencing an average of five different types of intimate partner violence, including forced penetrative sex and attempted sexual intercourse.

4% of the population experienced multiple forms of non-intimate partner violence, including forced penetrative sex and non-penetrative sex when they were unable to give consent because of being asleep, passed out or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Speaking about the findings, lead author of the study, Dr Elish Kelly, said: “While sexual violence affects people from all backgrounds, the findings show that risks are higher among particular subgroups of the population, including women, younger adults, bisexual individuals and gay men.

“The study also challenges common assumptions regarding perpetrators, demonstrating that many victims experience sexual violence from people they already know and also in familiar surroundings, such as their home or another person’s home.”

Executive Director of Rape Crisis Ireland, Clíona Saidléar, stated that sexual violence is an individual trauma and tragedy, but it is also a systemic problem.

Saidléar also highlighted how sexual violence is gendered, stating that the fact that bisexual individuals and the more educated suffer higher levels of sexual violence than other cohorts may point to this systemic misogyny.

“One of the functions of sexual violence is to discipline, to ‘keep us in our place. Non-conformity with the traditional patriarchy — to visibly not conform to gender stereotypes or to be a highly educated woman — can draw a particular ire from perpetrators who want to maintain control in a misogynistic, gendered world,” she said.

“Sexual violence is a punishment,” Saidléar concluded.

If you have been affected by this story or are in need of support, there are numerous services available:

• Women’s Aid helpline for 24/7 support at 1800 341 900, available to assist anyone experiencing abuse, regardless of gender.
• Men’s Aid helpline – 01 554 3811
• The National Male Advice Line run by Men’s Development Network, 1800 816 588
• LGBT Helpline, 1800 929 539.
• Aoibhneas is a women and children’s refuge, 01 867 0701 or email [email protected]
• Immigrant Council of Ireland supports migrant women experiencing domestic violence, 01 674-0200
• HSE information line, 1800 700 700
• Safe Ireland provides a list of services across all Ireland
• Rape Crisis Ireland, 1800 778888
• Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, 1800 778 888
• Anyone in immediate danger should call emergency services at 999.