Christmas can be difficult, but support available throughout the holidays

22 December 2025

xmas 2025 helpline open

While most people love Christmas as a time of year to celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends, it’s important to remember that for many people, the festive season is a frightening, stressful or very lonely time.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is encouraging anyone needing support to call the National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 77 88 88, open 24 hours every day right through the Christmas and New Year period.

Chief Executive Rachel Morrogh said: “Our message, as always, is that Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s services and supports are there for anyone who needs them over the Christmas period. Sexual violence doesn’t stop for Christmas and neither does Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s support.

“As we see every year, our Helpline counsellors are already taking calls from people who have experienced sexual assault in festivities leading up to Christmas, and are seeking support around harassment, rape, unwanted explicit photos and inappropriate sexual advances. These calls are likely to continue throughout December and into the New Year.

“Because they have been socialising, some callers blame themselves for what someone has done to them, but our message to survivors is that you are never to blame. The National Helpline can signpost vital medical and other specialised supports. Last year, more than one person every hour called the National Helpline over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephens Day, and we expect an even higher number this year.

“Christmas can also bring up difficult memories and challenging interactions for victims and survivors of sexual violence that happened in the past. Social gatherings can be very hard, particularly for those who have been subjected to assault by someone close to them. For some, it marks the anniversary of an incident, for others the abuser may even be at their Christmas table. They may encounter family members or friends who were not supportive of them or did not believe them. We want them to know that when they are ready to talk, we will be there to listen.

“We also hear from victims and survivors that thoughtless, victim-blaming commentary around sexual violence in social settings is very upsetting and can add further to their sense of isolation. Four in ten people in Ireland have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetimes, so we ask people to be mindful and considerate in their conversations over the holidays.”

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre wishes everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas.

Confidential, free support on
24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888

 

/ENDS

Notes for editors:  

  1. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence. It also offers a wide range of training and education to professionals and volunteers.  
  2. The recent Signs of Hope campaign platforms powerful messages of hope and encouragement from survivors to others who have not yet reached out for support – learn more at https://www.drcc.ie/signsofhope/
  3. We-Consent is a long-term national programme to inform, educate and engage with all members of our society about consent. More information and resources at https://www.we-consent.ie/
  4. You can donate towards Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s work on drcc.ie/donate
  5. Other DRCC services and work - please note holiday hours apply for services other than National Helpline -more information in our notice: 
    • DRCC operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A webchat support service is available online at drcc.ie Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. A Helpline Interpreting Service is available for those who do not speak English - more at https://bit.ly/DRCClang
    • For those contacting the Helpline who are deaf or hard of hearing, we provide a text service, operating Mon-Fri from 8am to 6:30pm, at 086-8238443 and we also have a webchat service available Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, except holidays.
    • Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at drcc.ie/fyw in the Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence guide.
    • DRCC offers counselling & therapy to adult survivors of sexual violence and to older adolescents from 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent.
    • We provide accompaniment support for the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas, by arrangement.   
    • We have outreach offices at Coolock, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Balbriggan & Tallaght. Access to these services must be arranged via the National Helpline 1800 778888 during working hours, Mon-Fri.   
  6. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists should remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88  for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.