Press Release: Iconic Dublin landmarks light up purple in solidarity with victims and survivors of sexual violence

Some of Dublin's best-known public buildings are being lit up in purple from dusk until dawn until 18 October as Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's 'Lights of Hope' campaign returns for a second year.
Right across the city, from the Phoenix Park to Kildare Street, the buildings include the National Museum, the National Library, the National Concert Hall, Collins Barracks, the Casino at Marino, the Wolfe Tone Monument at St Stephen's Green, the Department of Education and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The campaign follows the publication last week of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's second annual survey of public attitudes to sexual violence, which found that nearly half of adults in Ireland know someone who has experienced sexual violence and that for victims and survivors, it is the fear of not being believed that remains the single biggest barrier to them coming forward.
Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said: "One in two women and more than one in four men in Ireland will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Survivors are in every classroom, every workplace, every audience and every community in this city, and they need our solidarity.
“These buildings, from the departments that shape our schools and workplaces to the library and museum that hold our national story, are lighting up to say to each of them: you are seen, you are believed, and you are not alone.
"Our research indicates that fear of not being believed is greatest barrier to coming forward, and that fear is fed by attitudes that still linger in Irish society. We must make it plain that we will listen without judgement, that we will stand with survivors, and that support is there whenever they are ready.
"Purple is the international colour of dignity and courage in the face of sexual violence. For the next two weeks, it will be visible across Dublin. Whether someone is taking their first step towards healing, or just trying to get through the day, we want them to look up and know that free and confidential help is available 24 hours a day, and that there are people out there who support and believe them."
Members of the public are invited to show their support by sharing a photo of a purple-lit landmark or a purple light in their own window using #LightsOfHopeIRL and tagging Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is deeply grateful to the Office of Public Works for its support.

ENDS/

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

 

Notes for editors

1. The buildings lit purple for 'Lights of Hope' from 5 to 18 October 2026 are: Casino Marino; Collins Barracks; Department of Education, Marlborough Street; Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Kildare Street; Farmleigh Water Tower; National Library; National Museum; and Phoenix Park Roundabout. We are grateful to the Office of Public Works for their support and cooperation.
2. The public attitudes survey was conducted by Ipsos B&A for Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and funded by Community Foundation Ireland. A briefing note and press release are available at drcc.ie
3. 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.  
4. 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/
5. Other DRCC services and work: 
6. 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
7. 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.
8. Information on your options after sexual violence is available for free online at any time at www.drcc.ie/fyw in the Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence guide.
9. DRCC offers counselling & therapy to adult survivors of sexual violence and to older adolescents from 16 years of age with parental/guardian consent.
10. 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.   
11. 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.   

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.