Tips to help young people: Staying Safe this Summer

04 June 2010

image

Over the past number of summers the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has seen an increase in the incidents of men and women being raped or sexually assaulted while celebrating bank holiday weekends, good weather or attending outdoor summer events.

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC said “The DRCC has devised a list of common sense tips that have been created in consultation with men and women young and old. While these tips may seem simple they are extremely useful and from feedback we have received, these tips have helped a lot of people to date to stay safe.

There are a number of outdoor events planned for the summer months and we want to make sure that everyone can enjoy these events and stay safe at the same time.

We are also issuing a warning to potential perpetrators that having sexual intercourse with a person without their consent constitutes rape. It is a violation of a person’s human rights to take advantage of another person when they are in a vulnerable situation. We urge that these crimes are reported so that the perpetrators can be appropriately punished.”

There are two parts to the Staying Safe tips. Section 1 is for prevention and Section 2 is what to do in the event of a rape or a sexual assault happening.

Staying Safe Section 1

Prevention:

  • Look out for each other
  • Do not get separated from your group
  • Keep your drink in your hand at all times
  • Do not accept a drink from someone you have just met
  • Ask a friend to mind your drink if you have to leave
  • Stay in popular places and do not go to remote places
  • Nominate a Designated Minder for each group of 6 (in the same way as Designated Drivers are used)
  • Share Taxis and lifts
  • If you have to travel alone make sure you have phoned ahead to where you are going and estimate the time of arrival
  • Make sure you mobile is charged at all times
  • Be aware having sexual intercourse with a person without their consent constitutes rape

Staying Safe Section 2

Steps to be taken if a bad incident occurs:

  • Key this number into your mobile phone 1 800 77 88 88 *
  • Have your mobile phone charged at all times
  • If you wish to report the crime, report it to the Gardai
  • Seek medical help
  • Contact Rape Crisis Centre National 24 hr. Helpline 1 800 77 88 88 where you will get support and guidance for Victims, Family and Friends

For further information please contact:
Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, CEO – 01 661 4911 / 086 809 9618