Breaking News: New research from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has highlighted persistent victim-blaming attitudes about rape and sexual violence in Ireland, with the highest levels recorded among men aged 18 to 24.
The findings are significant because attitudes about consent, reporting and credibility can affect whether survivors seek help. The survey also shows that scepticism is not limited to one age group or gender, although young men expressed some of the most concerning views.
What the survey found
The DRCC’s second annual national study surveyed 1,036 adults between August 31st and September 11th. Overall, 15 per cent of respondents said a person who was raped while drinking alcohol or taking drugs was at least partly responsible.
That figure rose sharply among younger respondents:
- 37 per cent of men under 25 believed the victim was at least partly responsible.
- 25 per cent of women under 25 expressed the same view.
- 88 per cent of adults agreed that a perpetrator who was intoxicated should be held as responsible as one who was sober.
The figures show a clear distinction between attitudes towards a victim’s behaviour and responsibility for an assault. Under Irish law and established principles of consent, responsibility for sexual violence rests with the perpetrator.
Breaking News Ireland: concerns over false allegation beliefs
The research also examined beliefs about false rape allegations. Almost one in five adults, or 19 per cent, said there were “a lot” of false allegations in Ireland. Among men aged 18 to 24, the proportion rose to 48 per cent.
Young men were also more likely to say that a rape claim should not be believed unless there had been a court conviction or a report to An Garda Síochána. Those views were recorded among 34 per cent and 31 per cent of men aged 18 to 24 respectively, compared with 12 per cent of adults overall in each case.
These findings matter because many survivors do not report to gardaí, and a criminal investigation or conviction is not a test of whether an individual’s account deserves to be heard or supported.
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Fear of disbelief remains the biggest barrier
For the second consecutive year, fear of not being believed was the most commonly identified barrier preventing survivors from seeking support. It was cited by 82 per cent of adults surveyed.
Confidence in the justice system was also limited. Only 22 per cent believed victims of rape or sexual violence were treated fairly by the Irish justice system. Fewer than half, 43 per cent, thought Ireland was a country where victims could speak openly about their experiences. Among women, that figure fell to 38 per cent.
Just over half of respondents, 56 per cent, said they would believe someone who told them they had been raped while drunk or taking drugs. That was lower than the 60 per cent recorded in the previous year’s survey. A further 35 per cent said they did not know how they would respond.
How survivors seek help
The survey offers an important insight into the gap between experiencing sexual violence and accessing formal support. Among respondents who had experienced rape:
- 17 per cent reported it to gardaí.
- 22 per cent sought medical treatment.
- 28 per cent sought counselling or another form of support.
- 41 per cent told only a friend or family member.
- 19 per cent told no one.
These figures underline why accessible, confidential services remain important even when a survivor does not want to make a Garda report or pursue a court case.
DRCC plans programme focused on young men
Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the findings on young men were particularly striking. She said early engagement and leadership were needed because attitudes can be shaped during adolescence and early adulthood.
The centre plans to develop a pilot programme next year focused on positive masculinity. The proposed work will seek to understand the causes of harmful beliefs and identify interventions that promote healthier attitudes towards women, girls, consent and responsibility.
The survey recorded substantial differences between age and gender groups. For example, 48 per cent of men aged 18 to 24 believed there were many false rape allegations, compared with 8 per cent of women aged 65 and over. On whether someone should be believed without reporting to gardaí, the figure was 31 per cent among young men, compared with 2 per cent among women of the same age.
What happens next?
The DRCC’s planned pilot will be watched closely as policymakers, educators and community organisations consider how to address misinformation about sexual violence. The survey suggests that public awareness campaigns must do more than explain consent; they must also challenge myths about intoxication, reporting and criminal convictions.
For readers seeking immediate support, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre provides a 24-hour helpline on 1800 778888 and offers information online. Anyone in immediate danger should contact emergency services.
Frequently asked questions
What was the DRCC survey about?
It examined public attitudes and experiences relating to rape and sexual violence in the Republic of Ireland.
How many people took part?
The research surveyed 1,036 adults between August 31st and September 11th.
What was the most concerning finding?
Among men under 25, 37 per cent believed a rape victim was at least partly responsible if they had been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Forty-eight per cent also believed there were many false rape allegations.
Where can survivors seek support?
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre can be contacted through its website or its 24-hour helpline, 1800 778888.
Conclusion
This Breaking News Ireland report highlights a serious challenge for public education and survivor support. The DRCC research shows that harmful beliefs about intoxication, reporting and false allegations remain present across society, with particularly high levels among young men. Challenging those attitudes early, strengthening trust in support services and making clear that responsibility lies with the perpetrator are essential steps for Ireland.
