The head of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has warned that she has "real concern" for victims of domestic violence during Coronavirus isolation.
Noeline Blackwell outlined the importance of the organisation's free helpline when people cannot leave their homes because of social distancing.
She insists that staff are working to overcome the challenges that the Covid-19 crisis presents to ensure that this crucial support service remains in operation.
Ms Blackwell told the Irish Mirror on Monday: "We are continuing to work away and we are really anxious that we make sure people know that we are here 24 hours a day."It is absolutely crucial that we ensure people know that.
"Whenever they get a chance, they can call us."
Where abuse takes place in a domestic setting, the potential for that abuse to happen is certainly increased, Ms Blackwell insists.
She said: "This goes for all forms of abuse, but obviously we are particularly concerned with sexual violence.
"As families are urged to stay home and isolate to stop the spread of Coronavirus, this can make it harder for victims to get away from their abuser.The perpetrator is frequently the victim's partner, statistics show.
This type of abuse is known as 'intimate violence',
Ms Blackwell explains."The abuser is at home more, or the victim cannot go to work or school or college.
"These escapes that they ordinarily have are now gone."
She added: "The person who used to call by and you could have talked to about it can't call anymore."
Many childhood sexual abuse cases relate to the family home.
While schools are shut, the chances of cases being identified is reduced.
Ms Blackwell said: "There will be less people learning about it.
"Where you might have had a teacher or a person in a sport club, someone who might have noticed something and be able to give a child an outlet - well, you won't have that anymore.
"If abuse isn't caught and checked, it can continue."
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre helpline number is 1800778888
