Calls to Rape Crisis Centre double in wake of Nikita Hand's court victory over Conor McGregor
The helpline has taken on additional staff amid the surge in calls
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has taken on more staff to deal with a surge in calls in the aftermath of Nikita Hand's court victory over Conor McGregor.
It comes just days after a High Court jury awarded Ms Hand up to €250,000 in damages after she had claimed McGregor raped her in the penthouse suite of the Beacon Hotel in Dublin in December 2018.
The 35-year-old hair colourist said she has continued to receive supportive calls, texts, emails and messages after she was awarded damages. Hand said the result means her young daughter does not have to grow up in a world where she has to "shut up and say nothing".
READ MORE: Conor McGregor to face new €8million High Court battle after losing civil case
READ MORE: Conor McGregor vows to appeal court decision in online rant
And Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said: “Since the jury found in favour of Nikita Hand, there has been a strong effect across Irish society that we are feeling in Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
“The first way we’ve experiencing this is that calls to the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline almost doubled over the weekend and the number of first-time callers have increased by 50%. Over the 6 hours immediately after the verdict was delivered on Friday afternoon, calls to Dublin Rape Crisis Centre surged by 150%. That increase in callers to the Helpline has continued into today.
“We have rostered additional staff on the National Helpline as a result and although the line is very busy, all calls will be answered. Our message to anyone who has experienced sexual violence and is considering picking up the phone is that you are one of many people for whom now feels like the right time to make contact. There are experienced counsellors on the line who will listen to you, believe you and support you in whatever way you need.
“The second effect we have observed is an outpouring of support for Nikita Hand and for all survivors of sexual violence, with many people referencing Mr Justice Owens’ comments around consent and what that means.
"Callers are taking the opportunity to underline that consent can be withdrawn at any point and that it is not up to women to try and avoid being raped. They cannot believe that anyone would think the responsibility for sexual violence would lie anywhere but with the perpetrator, and are determined that the victim-blaming and shaming that underscored this case ends once and for all.
“Finally, a lot of people are asking what they can do to stand with Nikita. Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.
"It is therefore particularly important that people challenge negative attitudes to victims of sexual violence in their friend and family groups, check their own behaviours so they are an ally for anyone who discloses an incident of sexual violence to them, and that they examine whether the brands they associate with or follow are consistent with their own values and are opposed to violence against women.”
McGregor has indicated he intends to appeal the decision. Nikita Hand failed in her claim against another man, James Lawrence, for sexual assault.
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