Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence

A guide to options and supports after rape, sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence in Ireland

Written by Gráinne Henry, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

If you have experienced sexual violence, it can be hard to know where to turn for trusted information and support. From our 45 years of supporting those affected by sexual violence, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre knows it is vital to have easily accessible information and support when you need it. With that in mind, we created Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence, an online guide that aims to support victims and survivors on this difficult journey. It offers information on how to access a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU), report to the Gardaí, or navigate the criminal courts and legal processes. The guide also describes supports available to survivors, such as the free and confidential 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888.

Primarily aimed at survivors of sexual violence, the guide is trauma-informed and uses text, animations, audio clips and direct quotes to explain how the various processes may make a survivor feel, as well as how and where to seek support following sexual violence. However, in each section of the guide, there is also information designed for those seeking to know more about how to support another person.

Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence features a diverse range of personal experiences shared by victims and survivors, in audio and written format. We have included testimonials from medical staff and volunteers working in SATUs, from An Garda Siochana, and from those working and volunteering in the courts and legal system. Their voices provide reassurance that there are empathetic, professional and dedicated people available who want to help and guide victims and survivors, and who understand that the journey is unique for each person, as are their needs.

Empowering victims and survivors of sexual violence to make choices that are best for them is key to our work. Sexual violence was forced on them, so it is vitally important that we do not take away their decision-making powers or pressure them into any actions or choices.

“Whatever path someone takes after experiencing sexual violence, it can feel so isolating, and having this resource can make a huge difference. The language is easy to understand, and the emotional support that Rape Crisis Centres provide is there. It’s a step in the right direction, and it’s comforting to know that information and support is available when you need it” – a survivor of sexual violence speaking about the guide.

Sexual Violence in Ireland

As medical professionals working in a hospital, Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence may be useful to you in understanding how victims and survivors of sexual violence may be feeling. In particular, the guide provides an insight into what happens in a SATU and is a great referral point for any patients who would like more information on supports and options available to them. Survivors are often worried about being believed or about what happens next. They have been through an incredibly traumatic experience. With 1072 attendees across SATUs nationwide in 20221, it is important to understand the additional impact of trauma when working with patients who have experienced sexual violence. There was a substantial increase in DRCC’s accompaniment support work in 2022 which provided emotional support to 291 survivors at the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Dublin – an increase of 153% over 2021 – along with 233 of their family and friends.2

Reflecting on the SATU figures, it is important to note that SATU is a service for those who have experienced very recent rape or physical sexual assault. The reality is that very many people in Ireland have been harmed by sexual violence. Data from the Central Statistics Office shows that 52% of women and 28% of men reported experiencing sexual violence in their life.3 The National Rape Crisis Helpline had 18,400 contacts in 20222 from people of all genders and ages who had a wide variety of experiences.

Working with survivors of sexual violence

When providing care for someone who has experienced sexual violence, it is important to listen to how they are feeling and to give them space. People have very individual responses to the trauma of rape and sexual assault and the long-term effects also vary widely. Because of this, it is important to respect each person’s way of coping. These impacts may occur many years after a rape or assault as well as in the immediate aftermath. Everyone’s reaction to experiencing sexual violence is different: they may want to talk or be completely silent. They might be blaming themselves or feeling angry, upset or numb. It’s important to remember that there’s no set way to react to sexual violence; everyone is different. Engaging in medical care can be triggering for some survivors. Their autonomy was taken from them when they were assaulted so it is important to allow them to have personal agency. Try to be conscious of this when providing care. If you need to touch a patient, explain to them where you will be touching them, when you will do it, and why it is necessary. Allow them the space to ask questions and try not to rush them. Let them know the options available to them, including the National 24-Hour Helpline (1800 77 8888). You can also direct them to this Finding Your Way guide, where they can find out more about their options.

“Time after time, a survivor will say how much it helps them to meet someone who reassured them that they are believed” – SATU volunteer.

Vicarious Trauma

Encountering the stories of victims of rape or child sexual abuse is stressful and traumatic. In the course of your work, you may hear or read details of abuse, and of the pain, sometimes lifelong, experienced as a consequence. As you witness the stories and the impact of trauma, you may experience a traumatic response yourself. It is worth reflecting on how working with trauma may be impacting you. Here are some ways you can look after yourself and avoid experiencing vicarious or secondary trauma:

Clearly define your role and responsibilities and its boundaries. You are responsible for fulfilling your limited role in a caring and professional manner.
If a patient discloses to you that they have experienced sexual violence, you can tell them about the National Helpline where they can get specialised support and information that is free and confidential. You are not responsible for the patient’s experiences or distress or for solving the patient’s problems or meeting all of their needs or concerns.
When encountering trauma, notice what happens for you, in your thoughts, images, emotions, and body.
Ground yourself by noticing yourself sitting in the chair, the floor under your feet; take some deep breaths and try to loosen your body. You could be sitting in a tense pose for a couple of hours if you are not aware. Take regular breaks, even for a few moments.
Allow time for debriefing between one patient and the next. Take a few moments to register how you are feeling to let go of and shake out the session. Stretch and loosen your body, which may be holding some tension and trauma.
Outside of work, provide yourself with as many opportunities as possible to enjoy activities which are fun and make a conscious decision to link in often with the people in your own life. Help yourself to maintain balance by taking part in activities that give you joy and pleasure.
Remember that you can call the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 8888 or use the webchat at drcc.ie if you have been affected by sexual violence in any way, including from working with patients.
This can be an overwhelming experience for you. If you need support for yourself, the 24-Hour National Helpline is available for you to call on 1800 77 8888. The helpline is free and confidential and is open to everyone who has been affected by sexual violence, including those supporting victims and survivors. We can provide guidance to you on how to support those who have experienced sexual violence.

It can be daunting, and we are here to listen.

Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence is for anyone in Ireland affected by sexual violence, including victims and survivors, their supporters and others engaged in these systems. It is not just a guide for those who have experienced sexual violence directly; it aims to help all of us to understand our role in supporting and understanding victims and survivors.

Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence is available on DRCC’s website at www.drcc.ie/fyw

If you would like flyers about Finding Your Way after Sexual Violence, the National Rape Crisis Helpline or any of DRCC’s services, please email communications@rcc.ie

For anyone impacted by sexual violence, at any time, the National 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline offers free, confidential support at 1800 778888