There needs to be greater recognition of the prevalence of rape and sexual abuse, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has said.

According to its new CEO, Noeline Blackwell, there still appears to be stigma surrounding the discussion of these issues.

"This secrecy contributes to the continuance of these violent crimes which can cause immense, long-term hurt and damage," she commented.

Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office revealed that the number of recorded sexual offences rose to 2,361 last year - an increase of 15% when compared with 2014. However, it is widely accepted that the majority of sexual violence cases go unreported.

In fact, Ms Blackwell noted that many people who contact the DRCC for help find it hard to even admit that they have been the victim of sexual violence, let alone report it to Gardai. Furthermore, many are only coming to terms as adults with abuse they suffered as children.

"This is the most intimate of crimes, where acknowledgement of the crime, let alone reporting, will often change important relationships in the home or in the workplace. Reporting the abuse is often not supported in a person's community," she said.

The DRCC pointed out that the Sexual Offences Bill 2015 was near completion when the Dail was dissolved, and it called on the next government to make this a priority.

"The Bill was very near completion when the Oireachtas was dissolved. The DRCC will be hoping that it will be picked up and completed as a priority when legislative business resumes. Important initiatives under a Council of Europe treaty to reduce gender-based and domestic violence also await the appointment of a new government," Ms Blackwell commented.

The DRCC provides a national 24-hour helpline and can provide counselling therapy for the victims of sexual abuse and rape. The helpline number is 1800 77 88 88.