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Safety · Ireland
Updated September 2026

🫂 I have experienced sexual violence — where can I go, right now?

Direct answer

Whatever happened and whenever it happened, help is available without any obligation to report. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre — 1800 77 8888 / Sexual Assault Treatment Units (1800 77 8888) is the specialised centre or helpline for Ireland: medical care, evidence collection you can decide about later, emergency contraception and PEP within 72 hours, and someone who believes you — free and confidential. An Garda Síochána (garda.ie) if you want to report or are in danger; you can have a support person with you. Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006 (116 006) supports you through everything that follows, at your pace.

Call firstDublin Rape Crisis Centre — 1800 77 8888 / Sexual Assault Treatment Units
Report toAn Garda Síochána
If that failsCrime Victims Helpline — 116 006

🗣️ What to say

"Something happened to me [today / on date] and I need help. I am not sure yet whether I want to report it. I would like medical care and to know my options."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Safe and not aloneA friend, a neighbour, the helpline. Nothing has to be decided tonight except your safety.
  2. Medical care within 72 hoursFor prevention (PEP, emergency contraception) and, if you choose, evidence collection. Try not to wash or change clothes before, but care comes first either way.
  3. Talk to Dublin Rape Crisis Centre — 1800 77 8888 / Sexual Assault Treatment UnitsThey explain reporting without pressure and can store evidence while you decide.
  4. If you report: An Garda SíochánaYou can bring a support person and ask for a specialised officer. The statement can be recorded once.
  5. Afterwards: Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006Counselling, legal help, compensation from the state fund — all free for victims.

📇 All contacts

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre — 1800 77 8888 / Sexual Assault Treatment UnitsSupport and forensic care after sexual violence, no report neededAnytime📞 1800 77 8888🔗 www.drcc.ie
An Garda SíochánaReport at any station or via the Garda websiteAlways — you need the PULSE reference for the bank🔗 www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud
Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006Free victim support, information on the process, compensation tribunalAfter any crime📞 116 006🔗 crimevictimshelpline.ie
Women's Aid — 1800 341 900 / Men's AidFree, confidential, 24/7; refuges and safety ordersDomestic violence📞 1800 341 900🔗 www.womensaid.ie

❓ Frequently asked

It happened years ago

Help and counselling are available regardless; limitation periods for reporting are long and in many countries do not run for minors until adulthood.

I knew the person / I had been drinking

None of that changes what it was or your rights. Consent cannot be given when incapacitated.

Will I have to face them in court?

Special measures — video testimony, screens, no direct questioning by the accused — are standard for these cases. Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006 arranges it.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “sexual assault help Ireland”
  • “rape crisis centre Ireland”
  • “sexual violence helpline”
  • “report sexual assault police support”
  • “emergency care after assault”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🆘Domestic violence→🤲Victim support→🆔Identity theft→💻Online harassment→

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