"Consent in sexual activity is key to stopping this violence."

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has launched a new campaign to highlight the "sheer scale" of sexual violence in Ireland. The '16 Stats' campaign will draw attention to a different and equally stark statistic relating to rape, assault, sexual violence, and abuse every day. The DRCC is hoping to make clear the scale of such violence in Ireland and raise vital funds for its survivor services, which have suffered considerably since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. CEO Noeline Blackwell said: “We are using the#16stats campaign to remind people of the sheer scale of sexual violence in Ireland. We want the campaign to highlight the frequency and variety, the numbers affected, and the need for diverse supports for survivors across our health and justice systems.

“And we are reminding people that consent in sexual activity is key to stopping this violence from happening in the first place. Failing to understand the central nature of consent will continue to see the trail of destruction left by sexual violence across our society."

Since March, the number of survivors waiting for therapy from DRCC has risen by a third. The charity needs to raise €1 million in public funding each year to maintain its existing levels of work. “At this time of year, we normally run our Flag Day, which raises an amazing €40,000 annually and is crucial to funding our work," said Blackwell. "Unfortunately, this year that was impossible. The 16stats campaign allows us to call on people to offer their support and give what they can." Among those supporting the new campaign are Dublin’s Lord Mayor Hazel Chu, musician Maija Sofia, Lenny Abrahamson, and Rick O’She. To donate €4 a month to DRCC text HELP to 50300. Make a once-off donation of €4 by texting DRCC to 50300. If you have been affected by any of the details of this story, you can contact DRCC's National 24-hour Helpline on 1800 77 88 88.