Release of Tates sends alarming message to women worldwide

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has raised alarm bells that the release of Andrew and Tristan Tate to the United States before the conclusion of a criminal investigation sends a negative message to women across the world of impunity around misogyny and sexual violence.

CEO Rachel Morrogh said: “It is absolutely horrifying that one of the most influential countries in the world has successfully lobbied to ease travel restrictions on these men, who have promoted and normalised a hatred of women. The Tates have been investigated and charged with serious crimes against women and this is something that must not be glossed over or normalised.

“As well as this, their poisonous narrative online may be indirectly responsible for the trauma and misery of women and girls who have experienced sexual, psychological and physical violence at the hands of men who idolise the Tates and subscribe to their messaging.

“At Dublin Rape Crisis Centre we see the downstream effects of the kind of misogynist-industry that the Tates have built. Their rhetoric has real-world consequences for women and girls and although every perpetrator of sexual violence is 100% responsible for their own actions, the amplification of the Tates’ messaging online is harmful.

“In our annual report for 2023, we highlighted the observation of our therapists that our new clients are reporting higher levels of other types of violence in addition to sexual violence.

“Welcoming the Tates to the United States sends an incredibly negative message to women about their value in today’s society. It shows how easily progress on sexual violence can be rowed back. Normalising and validating the Tates’ poisonous messages will have impacts that will be observed amongst our client community in the years to come, but we also believe it is damaging to the boys and men who consume this content.

“We hope that this is something that the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, would consider raising with President Donald Trump if he visits the United States for St. Patrick’s Day.”

Free, confidential & non-judgmental support for anyone affected by sexual violence is on the 24-hour National Helpline 1800 778888

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Notes for editors:  

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’s recent Signs of Hope campaign platforms powerful messages of hope and encouragement from survivors to others who have not yet reached out for support – learn more at https://www.drcc.ie/signsofhope/
3. We-Consent is a long-term national programme to inform, educate and engage with all members of our society about consent. More information and resources at https://www.we-consent.ie/
4. Other DRCC services and work: 
   • DRCC operates the National 24-hour 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. 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 and we also have a webchat service available Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays.
   • Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at 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.
   • We provide 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 have outreach offices 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.   
5. 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.