‘Lights of Hope’ campaign of solidarity & support with survivors of sexual violence launched

01 August 2025

four courts

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is launching a ‘Lights of Hope’ campaign today (Friday 1 August) which will see the Four Courts and 14 other public buildings lit up in purple to honour and support survivors of sexual violence.

The organisation says it is also marking the end of a gruelling legal term which saw many harrowing cases of sexual violence, and in particular the conclusion of the appeal in Nikita Hand’s case to recognise her pursuit of justice and in support of every person in Ireland affected by the epidemic of sexual violence. 

All 15 buildings will glow purple from dusk until dawn, symbolising hope in the darkest hours, from 1st to 15th August. The campaign also aims to remind the wider public of the need for solidarity with survivors around them, and for awareness and action in addressing sexual violence. 

Speaking ahead of the launch, Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said: “We are lighting up these iconic buildings in recognition of survivors’ experiences and to remind every person affected by sexual violence that they are seen and believed – and that support is available. 

“Lighting Dublin’s most recognisable buildings in purple - the international colour of dignity and courage in the face of sexual violence - transforms these spaces into a symbol of unity and resilience. 

“One in two women and more than one in 4 men in Ireland will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes.  We hope this campaign helps to raise awareness that the survivors of sexual violence around them deserve and need solidarity, not just during awareness weeks but at all times of the year. We also want it to be a beacon of hope to anyone looking for light in a time of darkness. Whether someone is taking their first steps towards speaking out or simply trying to get through the day, we want them to know they are not alone.

“One of the iconic buildings lighting up is the Four Courts. As the legal term ends this week, we know many people have been affected by harrowing cases reported in the courts, whether they have been through the legal process themselves or never will.  We want to let them know support and solidarity is out there and we hope that others will join us in doing that. Standing with victim/survivors means believing them, listening without judgement and committing to a culture of zero tolerance for sexual violence.”

The public is encouraged to participate and show their support in the following ways: 

  • Join the Purple Wave online: Post a photo of a local landmark lit in purple or wear purple and share your message of support using the hashtag #LightsOfHopeIRL and tag Dublin Rape Crisis Centre;
  • Light a Window: We invite you to place a purple light in your windows throughout the month of August to visibly honour survivors in their own communities.
  • Read stories of survival: We Speak is a platform for victims and survivors to safely share their stories at wespeak.ie 
  • Donate or Volunteer with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre: drcc.ie 

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is deeply grateful to the Office of Public Works for its support.

 

Anyone who has been affected by sexual violence in any way can contact the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800 77 88 88, or chat online on our website at www.drcc.ie, for free and in confidence. 

 

/ENDS

Notes for editors:  

  1. The buildings being lit up purple for the ‘Lights of Hope’ campaign, which runs 1-15 August, are:
  • Aras MacDhiarmada
  • Casino Marino
  • Collins Barracks
  • Dept of Education, Marlborough Street
  • Dublin Castle
  • of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Kildare Street
  • Farmleigh Water Tower
  • Four Courts
  • Kilkenny Castle
  • National Museum
  • National Library
  • Phoenix Park Roundabout
  • Rock of Cashel
  • Stephen’s Green – Wolfe Tone Monument
  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. 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/
  3. Other DRCC services and work: 
  • 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, and from 00:00 to 3:00am Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  • 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.   
  1. 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.