Information for Victims of Sexual Violence

Consent < Information for Victims of Sexual Violence

If you are here because you are a victim of sexual violence, it is important that you know that there is help available to you and you don’t need to deal with this on your own.

It’s okay if you don’t know how to react. You may be physically hurt, emotionally drained, or unsure of what to do next. You may be considering reporting what has happened to you, but are unsure of where to start.

Learning more about what steps you can take following sexual violence can help ground you in a difficult time.

It’s important to know that recovering from a sexual assault or abuse is a process, and that process looks different for everyone. It may take weeks, months, or years — there’s no timetable for healing.

The Victims Charter website, www.victimscharter.ie, also run by the Department of Justice has a detailed section for victims of sexual violence. There you will find information on:

• Help available in the aftermath of recent sexual violence and Sexual Assault Treatment Units;
• Help available to those who have experienced sexual violence in the past;
• If you are currently experiencing sexual violence in a relationship;
• How to make a report to the Gardaí;
• How to contact Rape Crisis Centres;
• What happens if you are asked to attend a Court during the Trial Process;
• Support Services to Victims of Child Sexual Abuse; and
• Domestic Violence Support Services.

The Victims Charter’s aim is that if you have to begin on a journey of recovering from the trauma they you gone through, you can at least do it armed with the knowledge of what to expect and know that you will be supported at every step

If you are in immediate danger please dial 999 or 112 and An Garda Síochána will respond and help.