Kids' easy access to web porn linked to surge in sex attacks

Rate of rapes in Ireland treble rest of the EU

- BY JOHN KIERANS

THE widespread availability of pornography to children is being linked to a surge of sex attacks across the country.

New figures released last week showed there are now 800 sex offenders behind bars in Ireland, up 64% in three years.

In the 10-year period between 2011 and 2021 the number of sexual offences recorded increased from 1,958 to 3,433 - a huge rise of 75%.

The number of rapes increased from 447 to 983 during that time.

The number of women who have been raped in Ireland is now almost treble the rate in the EU.

The average number of women reporting rape in Ireland in 2022 stood at 34 per 100,000 women.

This is significantly higher than the 12 per 100,000 across six European Union states with comparable statistics.