Rape crisis support up 118% in one year

» Volunteers helping record number of clients » Lockdown and rugby stars trial behind spike

LOCKDOWN and the Ulster Rugby rape trial have prompted more people than ever to seek specialist help.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre accompanied a record 45 people to court and Garda stations last year, a rise of 118% on 2018.

And volunteers went with 300 people to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in the Rotunda Hospital in the city to support alleged victims giving physical evidence, as well as 240 friends and family members.

Spokeswoman Cliona Woods puts the marked increase down to greater awareness about sexual violence and how complainants are treated in the justice system.

She referred to the nine- week trial in 2018 where rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, as well as Blane Mcilroy and Rory Harrison, were acquitted.

Ms Woods said: “With the Me Too movement and the Belfast case, there was a change and people were outraged. There was a big shift then.

“The Belfast trial was the first time many people found out how trials were conducted.”

During Covid, the number of court cases has fallen sharply and this has caused additional stress to victims.

But Ms Woods has also noticed a shift in the number of people contacting the DRCC to o report a case.

She said :“People would be quit e busy normally but I think the lock down has given people time to think.

“Going to the guards s is difficult in itself andd people find it difficult if the case doesn’t go to trial. If it does go to trial , people can find it very over whelming and t hey can be re- traumatised.”

When Ms Woods first began as a volunteer with the DRCC 14 years ago, just 10 people requested its services each year.

The group can also provide support by phone, t ext or email and can connect clients to other resources.

Under the new Covid- 19 rules, volunteers can only support people attending the SATU over the phone.

Other members with sp specialist training can still accompany ac alleged victims to Garda stations or court, a albeit in line with public h health guidelines.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s 24- hour helpline is 1800 77 8888.