Dublin Rape Crisis Centre expects helpline 'to be very busy' over Christmas

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre CEO, Rachel Morrogh, said that last year the freephone National Rape Crisis Helpline supported a caller every hour over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephens Day.

Christmas can be a dreaded time of year for victims of sexual violence, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has warned as it appeals to people who need support to reach out.

The charity is expecting greater numbers of people than last year to seek its support over the festive period.

“DRCC knows from previous years that Christmas can be an extremely isolating and stressful time for victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault," DRCC CEO Rachel Morrogh said. 

Ms Morrogh said that last year the freephone National Rape Crisis Helpline supported a caller every hour over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephens Day.

"We’re expecting the national helpline to be very busy over this festive period," she said.

“Our helpline workers hear from survivors of sexual violence that this time of year can be particularly difficult. It may bring very painful reminders of past abuse for some, and others may have to face perpetrators in festive gatherings, or hear unkind, thoughtless remarks from family or friends.

"We know that home can be a dangerous site of sexual violence for people who may be living with their perpetrator, so the festive period can create additional risks."

More than eight in 10 survivors know their attacker, and one quarter have been raped or assaulted by a partner, Ms Morrogh said. Some people call the DRCC Helpline at Christmas "because they feel there is nowhere else to turn," she said.

“Last year, because victims and survivors may need time to process what had happened to them over Christmas, DRCC saw a surge in contacts in January—twice as many contacts as in December. We will be ready and waiting for those calls this year too and will be making additional staff available to meet demand. 

The important thing is that people do make contact at a time that is right for them, and that they know DRCC is here for whenever that is.

The national Sexual Violence Survey, which showed that 52% of women and 28% of men experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, shows that "survivors are all around us," Ms Morrogh said. 

"What you say and how you react to harmful and hurtful behaviour and comments really matters to them—it tells them whether you are a safe person or not."

People can call the confidential freephone 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800 778888.

Donate to DRCC’s Christmas appeal on drcc.ie.