Patterns of victimisation among victims of adult sexual violence in Ireland

Sexual violence, and more broadly gender-based violence (GBV), is a pervasive global issue. In this report, data from the 2022 Sexual Violence Survey (SVS), collected by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), are used to examine patterns of victimisation1 among those that have experienced adult sexual violence in Ireland.2 In order to prevent sexual violence and to provide, and target, supports to those who are victims of such violence, a better understanding of the patterns of victimisation is needed. This study surveys the relevant literature and presents descriptive and multivariable regression analyses of the main factors associated with adult sexual violence in Ireland. The factors examined include sex, age, sexual orientation, level of education, country of birth, disability (at the time of the survey) and relationship status, as well as urbanisation and level of deprivation of the area in which they live. The analysis undertaken is based on responses from over 4,000 individuals aged 18 and above, who completed the SVS between May and December 2022. The research was carried out under a programme of research funded by Cuan, the statutory domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) agency.