Press Release: Dublin Rape Crisis Centre – Staying Safe at Electric Picnic

30 August 2013

Tips for Staying Safe at Electric Picnic

Bad Incidents can happen at outdoor events to your sister, your daughter, your son, your brother… Staying Safe Tips can help to prevent them happening

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said, “We want people attending concerts and outdoor events to have a good time and to enjoy the events. However we know from incidents that have happened in the past,that bad things can happen. The following “Staying Safe Tips” have been devised in consultation with young people and we would hope that they are a reminder and a help to ensure that everyone has a good time, especially those attending Electric Picnic this weekend. We would wish that everyone is able to go home after the Eletric Picnic, safe and happy having had a great fun time with no bad incidents happening to anyone.

Please visit our colleagues in the main arena from the Sexual Violence Centre Cork. Their tent is called 30,000 reasons. This year marks 30 years of service provision for Cork Sexual Violence Centre. Their 30000+ is a campaign highlighting the 30,000+ cases of sexual violence that have been reported to An Garda Siochana over the past 30 years. DRCC supports this campaign. You too can support the campaign to raise awareness of sexual violence in Ireland. All you have to do is – like them on www.facebook.com/30000Plus

Staying Safe Tips

Look out for each other
Do not get separated from your group
Do not drink to excess and 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 where there are lots of people

· 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 phone ahead to where you are going and in the hearing of the driver and give your estimated time of arrival
Make sure your mobile is charged at all times
Be aware that having sexual intercourse with a person without their consent constitutes rape

A person who is drunk cannot give informed consent

The age of consent for sexual intercourse in Ireland is 17 years

Key the National 24 hour helpline 1 800 77 88 88* into your phone
Report any crime to the Gardai (if you wish) and seek medical help
Think of the consequences before sharing a picture or a video on social media.

Steps to be taken in the event of a rape or sexual assault:

Call the National 24 hour Helpline if you need the help of a Rape Crisis Centre for a recent rape or childhood sexual abuse,
If you are a family member or a friend and don’t know what to do when someone close to you has disclosed that they have been raped or sexually assaulted call this number and you will get the help you need
Contact your parents or Guardian or a friend

You may choose to report the incident to the Gardai

Get the medical support you need

Our aim is to offer a safe and confidential space where women and men of all ages can be listened to and supported without shame or self-blame.

*If you need any help or are unsure of what to do, call the National 24 hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88 where you will get support and guidance from a trained person.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC 01 661 4911/ 086 809 9618