Tips to help young people: Staying Safe this Summer

Over the past number of summers the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has seen an increase in the incidents of young men and women being raped or sexually assaulted while celebrating exam results, attending outdoor summer events, or when they are holidaying together abroad.

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC said “The DRCC has devised a list of common sense tips that have been created in consultation with young people. While these tips may seem simple they are extremely useful and from feedback we have received, these tips have helped a lot of young people to date to stay safe.

There are a number of outdoor events and holidays abroad planned for the summer months and we want to make sure that young people can enjoy these events and stay safe at the same time.

We are also issuing a warning to potential perpetrators that having sexual intercourse with a person without their consent constitutes rape. It is a violation of a person’s human rights to take advantage of another person when they are in a vulnerable situation. We urge that these crimes are reported so that the perpetrators can be appropriately punished.”

There are two parts to the Staying Safe tips. Section 1 is for prevention and Section 2 is what to do in the event of a rape or a sexual assault happening.

Staying Safe Section 1

Prevention:

• Look out for each other
• Do not get separated from your group
• Keep your drink in your hand at all times
• Do not accept a drink from someone you have just met
• Ask a friend to mind your drink if you have to leave
• Stay in popular places and do not go to remote places
• Nominate a Designated Minder for each group of 6 (in the same way as Designated Drivers are used)
• Share Taxis and lifts
• If you have to travel alone make sure you have phoned ahead to where you are going and estimate the time of arrival
• Make sure you mobile is charged at all times
• Be aware having sexual intercourse with a person without their consent constitutes rape

Staying Safe Section 2

Steps to be taken if a bad incident occurs:

• Key this number into your mobile phone 1 800 77 88 88 *
• Have your mobile phone charged at all times
• If in Ireland and you wish to report the crime, report it to the Gardai
• Seek medical help
• If abroad have the phone number of the local Irish Embassy or Consulate keyed into your mobile phone
• Have the local phone number of the Travel Agency Rep. keyed into your phone
• Phone the Embassy or Consulate
• Phone local Travel Agency Representative
• Bring the person to the local hospital
• Report to Police if recommended
• On returning home make sure all the appropriate tests are taken for Pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, etc.

• Contact Rape Crisis Centre National 24 hr. Helpline 1 800 77 88 88 where you will get support and guidance for Victims, Family and Friends

For further information please contact:
Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, CEO – 01 661 4911 / 086 809 9618