In statistics given to Nigel Dodds MP following a parliamentary question to Security Minister Paul Goggins, figures showed that the number of recorded rapes or attempted rapes in Ards rose from six in 2001/02 to 20 in 2006/07, with a total of 88 rapes and attempted rapes in the area over the six year period.

Ards councillor Simon Hamilton described the statistics as “shocking”.

“I am shocked that over such a relatively short period of time as six years, the Ards area has seen 88 rapes or attempted rapes,” he said. “I am stunned that the number of such appalling incidents has risen by an incredible 233percent over the period.”

Mr Hamilton said he was also “staggered” that of the 88 rapes and attempted rapes, only two of them resulted in someone being convicted for the crime.

“Whilst Ards is far from the worst place in Northern Ireland for either the number of rapes or the conviction rate, it doesn't take away for a second the sheer awfulness of these figures which in Ards are representative of an overall province-wide rise in rape incidents,” Mr Hamilton continued.

“One wouldn't want to give the impression that it isn't safe for women to walk the streets of Ards but these numbers and the rise in rape incidents that they indicate are a warning to everyone to be vigilant.”

In North Down the rape/attempted rate figures rose from 13 in 2001/02 to 18 in 2006/07 — however this is a fall of four from 22 cases in 2003/04.

There were three prosecutions in 2000 but no convictions, while the following year there was two prosecutions and one conviction.

For Northern Ireland as a whole, Mr Goggins revealed that in 2006/07 there were a record number of attacks totalling 457.

These figures are an increase of almost 60percent in five years, while the number of convictions has remained steady at about three percent.

A spokesperson for The NEXUS Institute, which works across Northern Ireland to respond to the needs of adults who have experienced sexual abuse, said the rape figures were only the “tip of the iceberg”.

“The vast majority of our clients experience sexual violence at the hands of a family member or close friend,” the spokesperson said. “Many of these people never report out of loyalty to their family. However it is encouraging that more people are reporting these crimes and NEXUS would support anyone who wishes to do so.”

NEXUS offers counselling, support and advice to abuse survivors and family members.

It has 46 sites throughout Northern Ireland including Bangor Health Centre and the McQueen building in Newtownards.

Anyone seeking help should contact one of their main offices in Belfast — 9032 6803, Londonderry — 7126 0566, Portadown — 3835 0588 or Enniskillen 6632 0046.