Dublin Rape Crisis Centre study reveals attitudes toward sexual violence

A national study conducted by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) and Ipsos B&A reveals significant skepticism and victim-blaming attitudes regarding sexual violence in Ireland. The research indicates that 19% of adults believe there are ‘a lot’ of false rape allegations in the country, a figure that rises to 48% among men under the age of 25.

Fear of not being believed remains the primary barrier for survivors seeking help, cited by 82% of adults. The study highlights a disparity in attitudes concerning substance use; 37% of men under 25 believe a person raped while under the influence of alcohol or drugs bears at least partial responsibility, compared to 15% of the general adult population.

DRCC Chief Executive Rachel Morrogh noted that young men are up to five times more likely to hold negative attitudes than older male age groups. The data shows that among those who have experienced rape, only 17% reported the incident to the Gardaí, while nearly one in five survivors told no one about the assault.