Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes Louise O’Neill’s ‘Asking for It?’ documentary on Consent

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) welcomes the release of the Reality Bites documentary ‘Asking For It?’ shown (Tuesday 1 November 2016) on RTE2 television.

According to the organisation, the Louise O’Neill authored documentary highlights both the impact of sexual violence and the need to understand how such violence occurs.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre CEO Noeline Blackwell said: “People don’t want to talk about rape and other forms of sexual violence but we must have open conversations about what is an informed consent if we are to solve the problems that sexual violence creates. We must all be clear that violence isn’t just force: it’s the absence of full consent.  This programme addresses the embarrassment or inhibitions that actually lead to sexual violence and serious harm.”

Ms. Blackwell said that the DRCC, which runs a national 24-Hour Helpline* and provides therapy to close to 500 people in Dublin annually, knows from its own experience that the impact of such violence is very serious even if it is often hidden. She said that “It can have a life changing and a lifelong effect on a victim. It can also disrupt families, friendships and work relationships. We believe that if we all have a better understanding of consent, at least some of the harm done can be avoided, which is a benefit to all of us. We hope that Louise O’Neill’s open, calm approach will lead to more discussion and more understanding.”

*If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence please remember our National 24-Hour Helpline 1800 77 8888. 

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Spokesperson:  Noeline Blackwell, CEO.