The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) launches its Staying Safe Tips as the number of people accompanied to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in June and July rises by 12% from 2008

The DRCC is launching its Staying Safe Tips for young people in particular, at this time of year. In June and July last year, the centre’s trained volunteers accompanied 50 people to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) at the Rotunda Hospital. In June and July this year the number was 56. This is an increase of 12% from 2008 and it looks like August will also show an increase from last year.

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC said “Each year in the summer months we have noticed an increase in recent rape and sexual assaults. We are urging everyone to please take heed of the Staying Safe Tips. We had hoped that we might see a decrease in the numbers attending the SATU service this year but alas in June and July we saw 56 victims of this heinous crime, 6 more than in the same period last year and the figures for August look equally depressing. This crime has a devastating affect on the victims themselves and it also has a devastating effect on those close to the victim, family and friends.

After the exam results come out young people naturally will want to celebrate and so they should, but we are urging them to please take heed of these tips. There are preditators always waiting to take advantage of people who are vulnerable. It is imperative that young people do not get separated from their group while they are celebrating. The celebrations can be at home, at outdoor events and abroad. The staying safe tips need to be heeded everywhere.

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:

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

Section 2: What to do if a bad incident occurs:

• Key this number into your mobile phone 1 800 77 88 88 *
• If in Ireland report the crime to the Gardai (if you wish) and 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 and Local Travel Agent representative
• Go to the local hospital
• Report to the 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