Unveiling Public Perceptions

What Ireland thinks about Sexual Violence in 2025

Remarks by Denise Charlton, Community Foundation Ireland

9^th April 2025

Efforts to combat and end sexual violence must be rooted in and informed by research, evidence and facts.

Today Community Foundation Ireland is proud to join our long-standing partner the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre to add to that knowledge.

The Unveiling Public Perceptions Research on What Ireland Thinks about Sexual Violence in 2025 is a strategic intervention aimed at informing next steps in terms of practice and policy.

It is the type of intervention which is a perfect fit for Irish philanthropy and our supporters who are committed to identifying and implementing solutions as we work towards strong communities where everyone has a sense of belonging.

That inclusion and that equality must extend to everyone – including those who live with the threat, abuse and danger of sexual violence.

The Research

It is right that the researchers acknowledge the progress that has been made. Progress which would not have been possible without advocates like Rachel and her team.

However, it is also right that the findings go on to challenge our society and make clear that there is no room for complacency.

Sexual violence continues to hide in plain sight – in homes, schools and colleges, workplaces and out in the community – the figures tell us this.

The fact that fewer than 2 out of 10 people feel absolutely safe speaks for itself.

Not only does the danger remain – but this research tells us people believe the levels of violence are increasing, that they themselves are more likely to be at risk and despite all this that victim blaming continues.

We see this with the finding that 4 out of 10 people would not believe if some-one made an allegation of assault – while 8 out of 10 fear they would not be believed if assaulted.

Even in areas where the Community Foundation and the Rape Crisis Centre have enjoyed success such as commitments to put consent on every educational curriculum there is still much more to do.

The Recommendations

 Community Foundation Ireland welcomes today’s recommendations.

The focus on the need for more work in the area of consent, the increased awareness raising and the need to bring in more partners – such as the media – are the type of strategic approach which we encourage.

The stigma for those who have been assaulted or subjected to violence must be lifted. Survivors must be believed, and actively encouraged to come forward. These actions must extend to all victims – including men and boys.

 We will as a Foundation now study the recommendations further and examine further partnerships to turn them into action.

They will be looked at together with other pieces of research we have partnered on including findings on the commercial sex trade, the huge damage caused by porn and online abuse as well as the targeting of children.

As a strategic partner of organisations like the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre we believe that Ireland is at a pivotal moment on attitudes towards sexual violence. A moment where top class research and evidence is essential if  we are to end to this crisis.

The alternative is to level a continuing legacy of violence and abuse in place for another generation.

Today we are taking another informed step forward to build on the positive progress which has been made and Community Foundation Ireland remains committed to playing its role as a strategic partner.

Thank You

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View Denise’s remarks on our YouTube Channel.

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