Sexual-violence victims urged to seek support
A campaign aimed at informing and reassuring victims and survivors of sexual violence about the help that is available to them has been launched.
The campaign, with the central message ‘You’re not alone’, has been developed by Cuan, the domestic, sexual and gender-based violence agency.
Its aim is to encourage victims and survivors of sexual violence to look for support and to reduce shame and stigma.
‘Empowered’
“We know the importance of criminal justice, of strong legislation, of improving policy, and of a co-ordinated approach in our work to combat sexual violence,” said Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.
“But a fundamental priority will always be to ensure that victims and survivors feel encouraged and empowered to speak out about their experience, and to seek support,” he added.
The has information on national helplines for both men and women subjected to domestic and sexual violence.
The multi-media campaign will run for six weeks.
‘Comparisons difficult’
The launch coincides with the publication of on measuring the prevalence of sexual violence.
Dr Elish Kelly, lead author of the report, said that a 2022 survey conducted by the Central Statistics Office estimated the lifetime prevalence of sexual violence to be 52% among women and 28% – similar to levels reported in 2001 research.
She added, however, that comparisons of sexual-violence rates over time and across countries were difficult, due to differences in definitions and measurement approaches.