VICTIM Support dealt with double the amount of victims of sexual assault compared to last year.
The charity saw 92 percent more victims from cases of sexual assault which was three times the total seen in 2006/07.
Figures were revealed at the recent AGM meeting.
Charity manager Paula Gelling said: "I must be clear here - I am not saying that sexual crimes are on the increase. That is not the case.
"The press releases issued by the police following a successful prosecution detailing when Victim Support has been involved have encouraged others to come forward, to have faith in the justice system, and to report what has happened to them. This will have contributed to the increase.
"Victim Support's own press releases, word of mouth about the service, accessibility of service and good practice, I believe, explain the rise of referrals for this type of crime."
Currently the charity has one volunteer and two members of staff who are trained in supporting those affected by sexual violence but there is more training planned for staff and volunteers in March.
At the recent AGM it was also revealed that over the last 12 months the Witness Service supported 165 witnesses and their family and friends – a rise of 30 witnesses on the previous year.
The number of new referrals to Victim Support rose during the year by 16 percent to 185.
Bill Malarkey MHK, member for the Department of Home Affairs, said: "It seems very much that the charity is a victim of its own success. Crime rates are at their lowest levels for many years and yet the use of the services of Victim Support and the Witness Service has risen. This shows that the organisation is providing a much appreciated and much needed service in the community."
Rosemary Penn, patron of the charity said: "Following up on Mr Malarkey's comments the increase in the use of the service does not reflect a rise in crime but the good service offered by Victim Support. It also shows that the purpose of the charity is more and more important than it ever was."
Victim Support also thanked the companies and individuals who have supported them financially over the past twelve months.
