MEN, women and children are asked to join in a Reclaim the Streets Rally next Thursday evening.

The rally, organised by the Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre will leave Letterkenny bus station at 7pm and make its way to the Market Square where a number of speakers will address the crowd.

The rally has been organised to raise awareness about the exceptionally high incidents of rape and sexual assaults in Donegal. According to Garda Statistics for 2005, Donegal has 38 recorded rapes and 99 incidents of sexual assault reported in 2004, a figure higher than that of the Dublin Metropolitan area.

Ann Boyle, spokesperson for the Rape Crisis Centre in Donegal, said it was important men and women of all ages turn out to support the rally.

"We need to make our streets safe for women and men to walk on. It is important people join in the rally and help lift the stigma associated with sexual assault and raise awareness," she said.

Ms Boyle explained that rape is a preplanned and calculated crime which is often perpetrated by someone known to the victim. "There are many men as well as women in Donegal who are outraged by the high incident of violent crime and sexual assault taking place in Donegal. We need more support and to create more awareness and to educate parents and children also."

The number of Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre is 1800 448844.