Statement from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre – 11th April 2018

Following the lifting of reporting restrictions in the recent Belfast rape trial, Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has today issued a statement reminding the public of supports available from rape crisis centres around the country and of the National 24-Hour Helpline run by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre at 1800 77 88 88.

In addition, she repeated the Centre’s call for reform to the legal system and to awareness on consent. “Today’s information, following the lifting of restrictions, again showed us why our system in Ireland is better than that of Northern Ireland, Ms. Blackwell said, because trials here are not held in public. However, it also reminds us of the level at which these trials are fought on every single point and the need to construct a better legal system that achieves justice in a way that is more respectful of the complainant.”

Speaking of the calls from rugby followers and former international Willie John McBride that Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding go back to playing rugby, Ms. Blackwell said that these calls entirely missed the legitimate reason for concern by so many people: “They don’t seem to recognise that the behaviour of some of the most prominent rugby players in the country was extraordinarily disrespectful and failed to take any account of the humanity or dignity of the young woman involved. This is a matter which the IRFU and Ulster Rugby must address as they have said they will do, not only in relation to those players but in relation to any culture within rugby that might in any way condone or encourage that behaviour” she said.

/Ends.

Note:

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre issued a statement in the wake of the trial on 28 March 2018 which can be accessed at: http://www.drcc.ie/2018/03/drcc-statement-following-the-verdict-in-the-belfast-rugby-players-rape-trial/

The Helpline number is 1800 77 88 88

The website is www.drcc.ie