Rape survivors encouraged to reach out for help this Christmas

Ottoline Spearman

Survivors of sexual violence are being encouraged to reach out for help over the Christmas period.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said this time of year can be very difficult for those who have suffered traumatic events.

The centre said that the National Rape Crisis Helpline will be open 24 hours a day for anyone who needs it over the Christmas period.

Speaking on Newstalk, CEO Rachel Morrogh said that everyone needs to be sensitive to the needs of survivors: "Christmas can be a time of very acute and concentrated emotions that survivors really struggle with, and often they're trying to regulate these emotions without the toolkit of supports that they might use during the rest of the year.

"Show kindness and solidarity and speak up and stand up for survivors in any conversation or situation that could be harmful to anyone affected by this issue."

You can contact the freephone 24-Hour National Helpline at 1800 77 8888, at any time of day or night.

More information is available at https://www.drcc.ie/services/helpline/.