Sexual violence within relationships continues to be widely under-reported, a new awareness campaign has warned.

The ‘Not Happily Ever After' campaign is being run by Women's Aid and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC). A recent survey found that 6% of Irish women in relationships - around 91,000 - have suffered sexual violence at the hands of their partner.

"Under-reporting of sexual violence in relationships is significant, with respondents in Ireland reporting particularly low levels of help-seeking. The extent to which women recognise that rape by an intimate partner is a crime is one factor in reporting, so we've launched this campaign to help women overcome the shame and fear associated with this crime and to highlight the support that is available," said Women's Aid director, Margaret Martin.

The campaign highlights the common misconception that perpetrators of sexual violence are most often strangers and ‘plays on the fairytale notion of happily ever after'.

"In reality, women are at risk of sexual violence from their partners, exes or someone they know. Almost one quarter of perpetrators of sexual violence against adult women in Ireland are intimate partners or exes. Yet there has only been one marital rape conviction in nearly a quarter century since the law has been on the statute books," commented DRCC chief executive, Ellen O'Malley Dunlop.

She pointed out that over half of women raped by their partners experienced more than one incident, while one in three experienced six or more incidents by their current partner.

However many of these women will never report the crime as they feel too ashamed or embarrassed.

"This campaign aims to challenge the culture of victim blaming that leaves women silenced and ashamed, while violent perpetrators remain outside the criminal justice system," Ms O'Malley-Dunlop said.

Both organisations highlighted the fact that affected women often feel alone and isolated and are unaware that help is available.

"We hope this campaign will encourage women to pick up the phone and speak to someone they can trust, who will understand and support them in complete confidence. Women's Aid and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre have long worked together to support women through sexual violence and will continue to cooperate to address this crime," Ms Martin added.

The campaign, which includes radio and national outdoor advertising, runs until June 2.

For help or information, click here or call the DRCC on 1800 77 88 88 or Women's Aid on 1800 341 900.