New Adverts Launched As Part Of The "No Excuses" Campaign

Thursday, 10 December 2020 08:45

The campaign calls on people to act if they suspect someone is experiencing sexual violence.

The Government of Ireland's 'No Excuses' campaign is reminding people to take action if they're concerned about a friend, family member or even a stranger.

It's calling for people to be more open to hearing from those who step forward, to assist them to get help and to hold those responsible to account.

Part of the plan also calls for bystanders to act if it is safe and legal to do so if they see someone being sexually assaulted.

Speaking to RedFM News, Mary Crilly from the Sexual Violence Centre Cork says victim blaming remains a huge problem in Irish society:

"We're getting there, slowly but surely, but the victim blaming is still as bad as it's ever been, sometimes even worse.

"People might say "when you started the centre 37 years ago we weren't aware of the extent of it and Guards weren't aware of what was happening'. But now they do, so people should behave differently.

"We're still saying that rape has to do with something she did, instead of something he did."

You can learn more at gov.ie/NoExcuses or in an emergency call 999