Dublin Rape Crisis Centre highlights sexual violence in Ireland with its ‘#16stats in 16 days’ campaign

The centre has been sharing one statistic a day about sexual violence in Ireland, and urging people to donate to help support the work they do. 

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has been marking the 16 days of global action against gender-based abuse with a new campaign highlighting sexual violence in Ireland. They are sharing one statistic a day, as well as how they work to address each issue. They’re asking people to share the statistics as widely as possible, and to donate to the centre.

The voluntary organisation provides support and advocacy for those who have experienced sexual violence, and work to prevent sexual violence through education, policy and awareness-raising, especially on the importance of sexual consent.

DRCC has to raise €1 million a year to fund its work, but Covid-19 has severely limited their ability to do this, while their services are more in demand than ever.

Its CEO Noeline Blackwell, explains, “We are using the #16stats campaign to remind people of the sheer scale of sexual violence in Ireland. We want the campaign to highlight the frequency and variety, the numbers affected, and the need for diverse supports for survivors across our health and justice systems.”

She added, “Since the pandemic hit in March, the number of survivors waiting for therapy from DRCC has risen by a third to our highest ever level of 411 in September. But we will meet this need, with public help”.

They are asking people to share their posts widely to show the reality for survivors and their need for support. For those who can donate, they can give at drcc.ie/donate, give €4 monthly by texting HELP to 50300, or make a once-off donation of €4 by texting DRCC to 50300.

Here are the statistics that have been shared so far in the campaign:

42% of women in Ireland have been victims of rape or sexual assault (SAVI 2002)
DRCC supported over 9,950 women on the National 24-Hour Helpline in 2019.

Some 411 survivors are waiting to see a DRCC therapist (as of Sept 2020)
DRCC provided more than 4,750 hours of individual therapy for survivors in 2019.

21% of Irish people believe sex without consent is justified in some situations (Eurobarometer 2016)
DRCC ran education programmes, including on consent, for over 1,630 people in 2019.

47% of those reporting abuse have never told anybody (SAVI 2002)
DRCC provides free, confidential support 365 days a year via the National 24-Hour Helpline – we are there for survivors whenever they need us.

In 2019, some 3,307 sexual offences were reported to Gardaí (CSO 2020), yet just 1% of men and 8% of women report sexual violence to Gardaí (SAVI 2002)
DRCC informs, supports and can accompany anyone reporting or attending court after sexual violence.

20% of young people think pornography is a good way to learn about sex (Youth Work Ireland 2018)
DRCC supports those working with young people to educate them on the potential impact of media, culture and pornography.

Between Christmas Eve and St Stephen’s Day 2019, DRCC answered 64 calls for support
The National 24-Hour Helpline is there for survivors every day – including holidays.

11% of Irish people think being drunk or using drugs justified sex without consent (Eurobarometer 2016)
DRCC led the #100consent campaign in 2019 to raise awareness around sexual consent, reaching up to 6 million people to date.

DRCC’s national 24-hour helpline is 1800 77 88 88?, for anyone who needs support, nationwide. They also have a web chat service.

Featured image: Volkan Olmez via Unsplash

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