Rape Crisis Centre chief warns revellers to be vigilant
Added to this, 58 people were accompanied to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at the Rotunda Hospital by the DRCC in the same period – a 25% increase on the previous year.
Chief of the DRCC Ellen O’Malley Dunlop warned there is always an increase in demand for services during the Christmas period and said people must be vigilant.
Ms O’Malley Dunlop was speaking following the fallout from a Listowel sentencing hearing last week, when 50 people entered the court and shook hands with Danny Foley, a man convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in a Listowel car park.
Ms Dunlop said the DRCC was being inundated with calls from people supporting the victim. She said changes needed to be brought in to make court more victim-friendly.
However, she said the incident was serving to highlight a silent crime in Irish society. “This is a crime so insidious it splits families and communities. It is good that we are out talking about it and debating it. The attitude for generations has been that it is the woman’s responsibility. This has to be challenged.”
Reacting to the news that Gerry Adams’ father and brother were allegedly both abusing their children, Ms O’Malley Dunlop said she hoped it would give other families courage to speak out about what she called a “heinous crime”.
“There is such denial around this, and still a climate of silence, and it is important that it is broken. It is important that perpetrators of this crime are punished and that they don’t get away with it.”
The head of the DRCC said although there was such a low conviction rate for sex crimes in this country, it was important to remember there are no gray areas for the victims of rape. She said if a person has sex with another person without their consent it is a crime.
“Under current Irish law, a person is guilty of raping another person, if they ignore having this consent and if they are reckless in their decision to pursue sexual contact without a person’s consent. While we need to have a more explicit definition of what constitutes consent in Ireland, the law is still very clear on recklessness in this regard
To keep safe this Christmas:
* Look out for each other and be part of a group.
* Do not get separated from your group.
* Keep your drink in your hand at all times.
* Do not accept a drink from someone you have just met.
* Ask someone you know and trust to mind your drink, if you have to leave.
* Trust your instinct, if you feel uncomfortable in a place or with someone, leave as soon as possible.
* Nominate a Designated Minder for each group of six.
* Share taxis.
* Make sure your mobile is charged at all times.
* If you have to travel alone, make sure you have phoned ahead to where you are going and give your estimated time of arrival.
* The national 24-hour helpline for the victims of rape and sexual abuse is: 1 800 77 8888.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
