Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has launched We-Speak, the first-ever anonymous online platform in Ireland, that aims to empower survivors of sexual violence to safely tell their own stories, in their own time, in their own words.
The platform seeks to amplify the voice of survivors, offering a space for them to reclaim their narrative to themselves honestly and share valuable advice and encouragement with others.
We-Speak follows the launch of We-Consent, a three-year campaign which aims to ignite an open and meaningful conversation about sex. DRCC wants to progress the conversation started by We-Consent and utilise the We-Speak platform to give voice to the broad variety of experiences which are often silenced. DRCC is reiterating that even if you have never spoken out about your trauma, you are not alone.
We-Speak will also serve to highlight the prevalence of sexual assault in Ireland. It is hoped that by gathering this data, we can contribute to establishing a clearer picture of people’s experiences of sexual violence which will assist us in the future prevention of sexual violence.
For the development of We-Speak, DRCC has worked in consultation with Our Wave, a US Based platform that launched a similar platform in 2019. Applying Our Wave’s expertise in both web development and trauma, the platform is custom-built, secure and encrypted to allow for complete anonymity, while considering triggers and other sensitivities in the process.
On entering the site, you are encouraged to complete a grounding exercise to support users in centring their own self-care before they submit a story or read the stories of others. Support for stories can be shared through a series of “reactions”. These reactions are non-hierarchal and all positive. It is possible for users to return to their stories to update or delete, giving them complete ownership and allowing them to add to their story days, weeks or even months after initially publishing. Supporters can also submit messages of support and empathy for those who visit the site.
Sarah Monaghan, We-Consent project manager, DRCC, said: “For too long, many survivors of sexual violence have suffered in silence. We-Speak empowers them to share their stories anonymously and honestly, but also safely. DRCC has consistently recognised the need for a platform like this for survivors to share their stories, offering an alternative to social media, where ultimately, there is no protection.
“The launch of this platform not only marks significant progress for survivors of sexual violence in Ireland, but also sees Ireland take a step forward in terms of how we are combating this issue collectively. The sharing of survivors’ personal stories can drive the shift from people knowing about the issue of sexual violence to people caring about it. I am hopeful that We-Speak will play a part in driving real change when it comes to both facing the reality of the impact of sexual violence and how we as a society can do better. I believe that stories are powerful and can build awareness, cultivate empathy, and ultimately create change.”
Advocate for We-Speak and Survivor of Sexual Violence, Charlene Masterson said: “I am so excited to see the launch of ‘We-Speak. During my seven years of sexual abuse, I thought no one knows how I feel, no one has ever gone through this – it’s such an isolating feeling not being able to find people to relate to, especially in such horrific circumstances. Sadly, people experience it every day, and to be able to read those stories and realise you’re not alone is one thing that’s priceless to victims/survivors like me. Although I don’t think anyone ever fully heals from sexual violence, I have learned that talking to like-minded people or reading their stories is such an incredible tool during my healing journey.”
The We-Consent campaign will run for the next three years with workshops and communication initiatives planned nationally to help inform and engage the population.
If you have been impacted by the conversations being raised by the We-Consent Campaign, or by an experience in your life or in the life of someone close to you, please call the Freephone 24-Hour National Helpline on 1800 77 8888
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