The Network, which operates 14 centres in Ireland, says it experienced an increase of over 8% in demand for its counselling services last year.
RCNI said its annual report is evidence of an urgent need for a constitutional referendum on the rights of the child.
The figure that less than 3% of child abuse perpetrators are strangers to the child draws attention to the huge risk facing some children in the home, 50% of abusers are family members.
The Network says the latest statistics highlight the urgent need for a constitutional referendum on the rights of the child.
Rape Crisis Network Director Fiona Neary says lack of progress on the referendum is frustrating.
Last year more than 1,800 people received counselling at Rape Crisis Centres.
The increase in demand may be a good thing according to those in the sector, there may not necessarily be an increase in abuse, just a growing awareness of the need to seek help.
