Warning by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. Sex without Consent is Rape

In the lead up to the New Year festivities, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre issued an urgent reminder to all those socialising at this time that sex without consent is rape.

Referring to a recent Eurobarometer poll, published last month, where 21% of the 1,002 Irish people surveyed believed, incorrectly, that there were some circumstances in which it was acceptable to have sex without consent, the Centre’s CEO Noeline Blackwell said “Once again, we want to remind everyone that sex without consent is never right. You must make sure that your partner is consenting. If you don’t take responsibility for that, and you do something without the other person’s consent, you are committing a sexual assault, up to and including rape”.

Speaking of the impact on victims, Ms. Blackwell said “We know from first-hand experience with victims that rape and other sexual assaults do terrible harm and can impact on a person for months, years or for the rest of their lives. We find that some of the people who call us at this time of the year are suffering the pain of rapes and other assaults that happened many years before. This time of year renews the pain for them, particularly where the violence was inflicted by family or friends whom they are seeing again around Christmas”.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre runs a National 24-Hour Helpline for those impacted by sexual violence. Ms. Blackwell paid tribute to the staff and volunteers who will maintain a full service, day and night over the holiday period. She urged people to feel free to call the service at 1800 77 88 88 if talking to someone would be helpful, or if someone needed information for themselves or someone else. She also reminded those harmed by rape or sexual assault that these acts are crimes which will be investigated by the Gardaí if reported.

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For further information please contact:

Noeline Blackwell, CEO, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre