Welcome for dismissal of appeal to High Court ruling in Nikita Hand action

31 July 2025

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Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal upholding the High Court’s ruling in a civil suit taken by Nikita Hand against Conor McGregor in November 2024.

Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, said: “Today’s decision by the Appeals Court confirms the finding by a High Court jury last November that Conor McGregor raped Nikita Hand and that damages were due to her. We hope the Court’s judgement closes the door on a protracted, traumatic and challenging road for Nikita Hand that was marked by attempts to discredit her, obfuscate the truth and derail her determination to seek justice.

“We are relieved that justice has eventually been served, for Nikita but also for the many other survivors who so strongly identify with her through this process. We see the defendant for what he is –another guy using tactics from an age-old perpetrator-playbook in an attempt to avoid judgment and culpability. But while he will undoubtedly be rehabilitated by brands and associates who will overlook what he has done, a stain will always remain - the truth that Nikita Hand fought for.

“We hope that lessons and reforms arise from this case, including a more victim-centred civil and criminal justice system and a shift in the public’s attitudes towards victims of sexual violence. The Central Statistics Office has reported that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime, so this is an issue that affects hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland - and yet survivors still face hostility, suspicion, shame and blame.

“The CSO has shown that given the multiple barriers they face, fewer than 3% of people who have experienced sexual violence as an adult ever report it to Gardai. While we all have a right of access to justice, can we say with confidence that justice is truly being served if a particular community of victims – survivors of sexual violence – overwhelmingly lacks confidence to seek justice?

“Our own research earlier this year revealed more than 3 in 10 people would not suggest contacting Gardai after a sexual assault, and 1 in 2 believe that sexual offence trials are much harder for survivors compared to other types of crimes. This cannot be the best we can offer survivors of sexual violence and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre will continue to advocate for victim-centred reform.

“We saw a significant increase in first-time callers to the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline as a result of the trial last November, and we anticipate that there will be an outpouring of public support now too. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has rostered a full complement of Helpline Counsellors on the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline to support anyone who might need it.

Nikita’s encouragement of other survivors and her understanding for their experience has left a lasting and inspiring impression. We are proud to have supported her in her pursuit of justice -  we at Dublin Rape Crisis Centre send our best wishes to Nikita, her partner, her daughter and wider family and friend group for a hopeful future.

“Nikita Hand spoke truth to power and now the truth is known to all. Thank you, Nikita.”

Free, confidential & non-judgmental support for anyone affected by sexual violence is on the 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. 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 0:00 to 3:00 on Tuesdays & 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.   
  4. 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.