Donegal Women’s Centre has reached out to survivors following the announcement of the ‘not guilty’ verdict at the rugby rape trial yesterday.
The four men, two of them rugby stars, were acquitted of all charges following a high-profile nine week trial.
Paddy Jackson was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault.
Stuart Olding was found not guilty of rape.
Blane McIlroy was found not guilty of exposure.
Rory Harrison was found not guilty of perverting the course of justice and withholding information.
Following the announcement of the verdict, #IBelieveHer began trending on Twitter.
Solidarity rallies are also being held across the country today, with many donating to charities that work with survivors of sexual assault.
A solidarity rally is taking place at Market Square, Letterkenny, today, between 12:30pm and 1:30pm.
On the event page, the organiser for the Letterkenny rally says: “A gathering at the bandstand to show our support for the victim in response to the recent Belfast rape trial.”
Speaking after the announcement yesterday, Donegal Women’s Centre released a statement saying: “If you have been affected by today’s outcome of the trial in Belfast, we are here to support you.
“If you would like to talk with one of our Listeners in a safe & confidential space, just call us on 074 9124985. You are not on your own, we are here to support you.
“Donegal Women’s Centre provides a listening service with trained Listeners for women to be heard in a safe, confidential and understanding space. Our Listeners are trained around any concerns or issues you may wish to bring.
“This service is for women who want to talk over any problem or difficulty in their lives. Nothing that troubles you is considered “trivial” or “silly” – our listeners are here for you to talk to in confidence.
“To make an appointment or for more information on this free service, contact the Centre on 074 9124985.”
The Rape Crisis Network has also vowed to support those who have been affected by sexual assault.
“We want to say today to survivors of sexual crime that when you need us or are ready to talk about what happened to you we in Rape Crisis will be there for you, we believe you, and we will support you.
“We have a range of supports available for both survivors and their supporters. This includes a free accompaniment service for survivors who wish to report or even have a conversation with a Garda about reporting and if the case does proceed to every court date. Please contact your local rape crisis centre to ask about this service.”
You can find all the information you need on www.rapecrisishelp.ie
You can also get in touch with Donegal Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre – Freephone: 1800 44 88 44 www.donegalrapecrisis.ie
For information about Sexual Assault Treatment Units, visit: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/sexhealth/satu/
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