A march was held in Dublin and other cities around the country today in the wake of the verdict from the Belfast rape trial.
The trial, which saw high profile rugby players acquitted of sexual charges brought against them, led to #IBelieveHer trending in Ireland.
O’Connell Street was shut down by crowds shortly after 12:30pm as speakers, including TD Ruth Coppinger and representatives from ROSA and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, began to address the crowd of men, women and children.
Speakers shared their outrage at facilities like the Dublin Rape Crisis centre being defunded by the government in recent years.
One speaker shared her personal story of being sexually assaulted eighteen months ago.
In her particular case, when she approached the DRCC for counselling, in November 2017, the next appointment they could give her was in August 2018.
Another march has been organised for Saturday beginning at Central Bank at 2pm, to allow people who could not attend today due to distance or short notice to, show their support.
Another march has been called for 2pm on Saturday beginning at Central Bank to allow workers and people outside the city centre to attend.#IBelieveHer pic.twitter.com/1IHdoqBxCU
— Goss.ie (@goss_ie) March 29, 2018
If you have been upset by the issues brought up in this article please call the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 777 8888.
Texting DRCC to 50300 will donate €2 to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.
