THE DUBLIN Rape Crisis Ventre has published a series of guidelines for young people designed to help protect them from becoming the victims of sexual assault.
The centre said it had seen an increase over the past few years in the number of reported rapes or sex attacks on men and women under the age of 20 who are celebrating exam results, attending outdoor festivals or holidaying abroad.
Staff at the centre accompanied 31 people to the sexual assault victims' unit in the Rotunda Hospital last month, down from 38 in July 2007. Despite the slight drop, the centre said young people still need to exercise extreme vigilance over the summer.
The centre's chief executive, Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop, said many young people were left "absolutely devastated" by sex attacks. She also warned that having sex with someone who is incapacitated is rape.
"At this time of year when people are out celebrating, if somebody is not capable of giving their consent for whatever reason, be they asleep or very drunk or whatever, it's a violation of that person's rights and it also constitutes rape," Ms O'Malley-Dunlop said.
She urged victims to contact police to make sure that the perpetrators were "appropriately punished". The guidelines are split into two sections. The first details a range of measures to protect oneself from sexual assault, while the second outlines what to do in the event of an attack.
The prevention guidelines include advice to young people to always look out for each other and to ensure that they do not get separated from their group.
In addition, they are warned to keep their drink in their hand at all times or to ask a friend to mind it if they are dancing or have to leave for some other reason. They are further advised not to accept a drink from someone they have just met.
Busy places are safer than out-of-the-way locations where vulnerable young people may fall prey to attackers. All groups of six or over should nominate a designated minder who, like a designated driver, stays away from alcohol or drugs. Taxis and lifts should be shared, but if that is not possible, the Rape Crisis Centre advises people to phone ahead to let their estimated time of arrival be known.
It also emphasises the importance of ensuring mobile phones are fully charged and advises people to store emergency numbers such as the local embassy or travel agency representative in their phones.
Victims of a sexual attack in Ireland are advised to report the incident to the Garda before seeking medical help. If abroad, they should contact the local Irish Embassy or Consulate and inform local police.
The Rape Crisis Centre operates a national confidential 24-hour helpline for sex assault victims, their families and their friends. It can be contacted on 1800 77 88 88.