Online platform will enable survivors of sexual violence to ‘tell their story’

In June 2023, the Irish Examiner's Alison O'Reilly reported on the launch of We-Speak, a new anonymous online platform from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. The article describes it as the first initiative of its kind in Ireland, offering survivors of sexual violence a safer place to share their stories than open social media.

A Safer Alternative to Social Media

The Irish Examiner explains that We-Speak was designed so survivors could tell their stories without fear of being trolled or sued. The piece cites figures showing that just 53% of women and 34% of men who had experienced sexual violence told anyone. Sarah Monaghan, manager of the centre's Consent Project, said survivors "can tell their story in their own words and in their own time." She added that reading other stories can help people realize they are not alone and that their experiences are valid.

How Stories Are Reviewed and Shared

Monaghan described a careful, human process behind the platform. Trained professionals receive each story, and several people review it before anything is published. Identifying details are removed, and each person receives a response tailored to what they shared. According to the article, survivors could reach We-Speak through We-Consent.ie from launch day.

Survivors Welcome a New Way to Speak

The Irish Examiner also spoke with sisters Emma and Vanessa Witherow, survivors from Tipperary who chose to waive their anonymity. Both welcomed the platform as a safe way for others to share what happened to them. Emma reflected on how hard it was to disclose when she was young. She said it is better when people can tell someone safely and as early as possible. Vanessa hoped We-Speak would give survivors one more path to sharing their stories.

Read the full story in the Irish Examiner.