First-time calls to rape crisis helpline surged after verdict against Conor McGregor

Nikita Hand speaking to the media outside the High Court in Dublin after her case against Conor McGregor. Picture: PA

First-time callers to the National Rape Crisis Helpline surged by 50% over the weekend following Nikita Hand’s victory in the High Court against MMA fighter Conor McGregor.

Ms Hand accused the star of raping her in a Dublin hotel in 2018, and won her civil action.

DRCC chief executive Rachel Morrogh said: “Since the jury found in favour of Nikita Hand, there has been a strong effect across Irish society that we are feeling in Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

“The first way we’ve been experiencing this is that calls to the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline almost doubled over the weekend and the number of first-time callers has increased by 50%.

“Over the six hours immediately after the verdict was delivered on Friday afternoon, calls to Dublin Rape Crisis Centre surged by 150%.

"That increase in callers to the Helpline has continued into today [Monday]."

DRCC — which supported Ms Hand in court — also said the charity has had to roster on extra staff to monitor the phonelines after Ms Hand’s case.

Ms Morrogh continued: “The second effect we have observed is an outpouring of support for Nikita Hand and for all survivors of sexual violence, with many people referencing Mr Justice Owens’ comments around consent and what that means.

“Callers are taking the opportunity to underline that consent can be withdrawn at any point and that it is not up to women to try and avoid being raped. They cannot believe that anyone would think the responsibility for sexual violence would lie anywhere but with the perpetrator and are determined that the victim-blaming and shaming that underscored this case ends once and for all.” 

Women at a protest in city centre on Monday night. Picture: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Meanwhile, around 200 people turned out for a protest in Dublin city centre on Monday evening in support of Nikita Hand who watched the rally online and sent messages of support on Instagram live.

The rally, which was organised by the group Rosa, heard from Natasha O’Brien, who said she wanted to show solidarity with Ms Hand on International Day for the Elimination of Gender Violence. 

Protest in Dublin City Hall on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Picture: Collins Photos

Ms O'Brien was struck a number of times by then serving soldier Cathal Crotty.

Ruth Coppinger, who is a member of Rosa, said: “This was a landmark case by Nikita Hand in many ways.

“I think Conor McGregor’s image is dented now."

Ruth Coppinger and Natasha O'Brien as women take part in a solidarity demonstration in Dublin.

The total damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was €248,603.60.

The 35-year-old hair colourist said she has continued to receive supportive calls, texts, emails, and messages.

Conor McGregor has featured in multiple video games, including voice-acting a character bearing his likeness in additional downloadable content in the Hitman series.

His character featured as a target for the player-controlled assassin in the game.

IO Interactive, the Danish developer and publisher of Hitman, said in a statement: "In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately.

"We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications.

"Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts starting today."