Rape Crisis Centre issues safety guidelines

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has published a number of guidelines for young people designed to help protect them from becoming the victims of sexual assault.

The DRCC said it has seen an increase over the past few years in the number of reported rapes or sex attacks on men and women under 20 who are celebrating exam results, attending outdoor festivals or holidaying abroad.

The chief executive of the DRCC Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop said many young people are left "absolutely devastated" by sex attacks.

DRCC staff accompanied 31 people to the sexual assault victims unit in the Rotunda hospital last month, down from 38 the previous year. Despite the slight drop, the DRCC said young people still need to exercise extreme vigilance over the summer.

The DRCC also warned that having sex with someone who is incapacitated is illegal. "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, it's a violation of a person' right and it also constitutes rape," Ms O'Malley-Dunlop said.

She urged victims to contact police to make sure that the perpetrators are appropriately punished, noting that Ireland has the lowest reporting rate of rape among 20 European countries.

The Staying Safe guide is 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 ensure 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.

Popular 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 for safety, but if that is not possible, the DRCC advises people to phone ahead to let people know their estimated time of arrival.

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 Gardai before seeking medical help. If abroad, they should contact the local Irish Embassy or Consulate and inform local police. On returning home, they should take all the appropriate tests for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The Rape Crisis Centre operates a national confidential 24-hour helpline for sex assault victims, their family and their friends. It can be contacted on 1800 77 88 88.