Spike in calls to rape helpline during Conor McGregor case 

Over the first 10 days of the trial, calls to the National Rape Crisis Helpline increased by almost 20%, and first-time callers increased by 50% compared to the same period last year

First-time callers to the DRCC 'were largely from people who had experienced sexual violence themselves and who expressed distress and anxiety around details of the case and the views of people around them.' Picture: iStock

Calls to the National Rape Crisis Helpline rose by almost 20% during Nikita Hand’s civil case against MMA fighter Conor McGregor, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said.

The charity was reacting to the verdict in the High Court on Friday which saw Ms Hand win her case for damages against McGregor who she accused of raping her in a Dublin hotel in 2018.

In a statement the charity’s CEO Rachel Morrogh said: “Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has seen the profound effect the case has had on the community of people we support.

Over the first 10 days of the trial, calls to the National Rape Crisis Helpline increased by almost 20%, with first-time callers increasing by 50% compared to the same period last year.

“These calls were largely from people who had experienced sexual violence themselves and who expressed distress and anxiety around details of the case and the views of people around them.

“Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has heard from people who say they have witnessed an increase in negative victim-blaming attitudes over the last two weeks," Ms Morrogh said.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre CEO Rachel Morrogh said the service has heard from 'people who say they have witnessed an increase in negative victim-blaming attitudes over the last two weeks'. Picture: Andres Poveda 

The DRCC had supported Ms Hand during her case, and she also thanked them outside the courts on Friday evening.

Ms Morrogh said she is “exceptionally proud to stand with the courageous and determined Nikita Hand in her pursuit of justice.

This is a very positive verdict and a mark of belief in survivors around the country. 

"The court has acknowledged the wrongs done to this brave woman and the acts of violence against her.

“Nikita had a right to live a life free of sexual violence, just like every other woman who has ever experienced it.

“It is important to victims and survivors and to the wider public that when that right is violated, justice is served in the way that it was today".

"Today’s verdict will be met with relief by many survivors of sexual violence watching and listening closely to the narrative inside and outside the courtroom”.

• DRCC operates the 24-hour National Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A webchat support service is available online at drcc.ie Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm.