Rape Crisis Network campaign targets potential rapists

The Dublin Rape Crisis Network is launching a new campaign for the Christmas period aimed at potential perpetrators.

It is called 'Don't Be That Guy' and it is reminding men that sleeping with a girl who is heavily under the influence of alcohol can still be regarded as rape.

The centre said the number of people being raped or sexually assaulted during the Christmas period has been increasing steadily during the past few years.

Last year its helpline received 1,834 calls from victims during December and January, while during the same period 42 victims received care at the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the Rotunda Hospital.

Eight out of 10 victims are raped by someone known to them.

The CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre Ellen O'Malley Dunlop said it is a worrying trend, and that we must do everything in our power to try and stem the rise in the numbers of these heinous crimes.

Many victims don't report rape, because often they feel ashamed particularly if they were under the influence of alcohol and will expect not to be believed.

However, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is encouraging all victims of rape or sexual assault to report it to the Gardaí.