Rape warning for New Year revellers
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has warned that eight out of 10 victims are raped by someone known to them.
“Trust your instincts; if you feel uncomfortable in a place, or with someone, leave as soon as possible,” the DRCC advises.
Last year 1,784 calls were made to the DRCC’s helpline during December and January.
DRCC chief executive, Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop said the helpline was just as busy as it had been last year.
Ms O’Malley-Dunlop said DRCC wanted to ensure that people were informed about the risk of rape and sexual abuse over the New Year holiday period.
It is also urging friends to look out for each other and to have a designated minder for each group of six.
Men and women should always keep their drink in their hands and not accept a drink from someone they had just met, even if they are a friend of a friend.
The DRCC advises people to share taxis home and those who travel alone are being urged to phone ahead and give their estimated time of arrival.
“We have people calling the helpline who were very drunk over Christmas and do not know if something has happened to them,” she said.
“We have to advise them to go to the SATU to make sure that they have all the tests done.”
Ms O’Malley-Dunlop said that the trained counsellors taking the calls knew when they were dealing with a victim of a sexual attack.
“Those callers just feel violated — that something terrible has happened to them,” she said.
She urged people to save the national 24-hour helpline on their phones and to visit the DRCC website for tips on staying safe.
The helpline offers a safe and confidential space where women and men can receive support without shame or self-blame.
In October, 31 people were accompanied to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital.
* Support and information is available on www.drcc.ie or through the DRCC’s 24-hour helpline number 1800 778 888
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