Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes sentencing of Alexander McCartney

25 October 2024

DRCC Front Door_Edie July 2022

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes sentencing of Alexander McCartney   

Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, said: “We are sickened by the actions of Alexander McCartney who carried out ‘catfishing’ online and which led to the tragic death of Cimarron Thomas in the United States. His behaviour will also have had a psychological impact on his other victims, the true number of whom is yet unknown.  

“He exploited children, preyed on their fears and manipulated their vulnerabilities and in doing so displayed an absence of any humanity. His depravity underscores the risks people of all ages face on social media, many which are not fully understood by the public or adequately regulated by governments. It is those who are most vulnerable and most trusting who are being served up to predators who are using online channels to their personal advantage.  

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes today’s sentence and hope it sends a message to those involved in catfishing and every kind of sexual exploitation that the full weight of the law will be felt by those who are found to be engaging in criminal activity. 

“Dublin Rape Crisis Centre encourages anyone who is worried or fearful about an experience or interaction online to seek support from the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800 77 88 88. Our counsellors are experienced in supporting people in all situations, there is nothing to be ashamed of and we can help.”   

ENDS.

Notes

  1. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence. It also offers a wide range of training and education to professionals and volunteers.   
  2. DRCC operates the 24-hour National Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country.
    • A Helpline Interpreting Service is available for those who do not speak English - more at https://bit.ly/DRCClang  
    • For those contacting the Helpline who are deaf or hard of hearing, we provide a text service, operating Mon-Fri from 8am to 6:30pm, at 086-8238443  
    • We also have a webchat service available Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays. 
  1. Other DRCC services and work:   
    • Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at www.drcc.ie/fyw in the Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence guide. 
    • DRCC offers counselling & therapy to adult survivors of sexual violence and to older adolescents from 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent. 
    • DRCC provides accompaniment support for the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas, by arrangement.    
    • We-Consent is a new long-term national programme to inform, educate and engage with all members of our society about consent. More information and resources on having consent conversations at https://www.we-consent.ie/ 
    • DRCC has satellite centres at Coolock, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Balbriggan & Tallaght. Access to these services must be arranged via the National Helpline 1800 778888 during working hours, Mon-Fri.    
  2. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists should remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88 for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.