We-Speak, an online platform to empower survivors of sexual violence to safely tell their own stories, is launched

In June 2023, Irish Tech News covered the launch of We-Speak, an anonymous online platform from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC). The article explained that DRCC built the platform in consultation with Our Wave, drawing on Our Wave's experience running a similar platform for survivors since 2019.

A Safe Alternative to Social Media

We-Speak was described as Ireland's first anonymous platform for survivors of sexual violence to share their stories safely, in their own time and in their own words. It follows DRCC's three-year We-Consent campaign, which aims to start open and meaningful conversations about sex. We-Consent project manager Sarah Monaghan said survivors had long needed an alternative to social media, where they have little protection. She hoped that sharing personal stories would help move people from knowing about sexual violence to truly caring about it.

How Our Wave Helped Shape We-Speak

According to the article, the platform applies Our Wave's expertise in both web development and trauma. It is custom-built, secure, and encrypted to protect anonymity, with careful attention to sensitive content throughout. Visitors are invited to begin with a grounding exercise that centers their own self-care before they read or share. Readers can respond to stories with reactions that are all positive and carry no ranking. Survivors can return at any time to update or delete their stories, keeping full ownership as their healing unfolds. Supporters can also leave messages of empathy and encouragement.

Building a Clearer Picture to Prevent Harm

DRCC also hopes the stories will highlight how common sexual violence is in Ireland and inform future prevention. Advocate and survivor Charlene Masterson shared how isolating it felt to believe no one else understood. She said reading others' stories and connecting with people who relate had been a powerful part of her healing. Realizing you're not alone is "priceless," she told Irish Tech News.

Read the full story in Irish Tech News.