We-Speak, the first-ever anonymous online platform in Ireland for survivors of sexual violence, has been launched by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

The new platform lets survivors tell their own stories, in their own words.

The platform is also to be used for survivors to share advice or words of encouragement.

On Breakfast Briefing this morning, DRCC Chief Noeline Blackwell said the platform is anonymous and safe for survivors.

“Until now the main way we have heard people's accounts of sexual violence has been where they've been able to speak after being in court, which is a very traumatic way of telling your story.

“We think we have now found a good way to allow people to talk about it.”

The website

Ms Blackwell said the website guides users through a “series of steps” before they upload their stories.

"We will give people little ways to breathe, to find themselves in a safe space, and then over a period of steps, we'll find a way in which they can tell their story,” she said.

"They can post it but it won't appear online immediately – it will appear on our website and we will check that it is totally anonymous.”

Ms Blackwell said users can make updates on their journey and detail how their recovery has changed over time.

“If you're feeling awful about things when you first post your story, then you can come back later perhaps when something else has happened,” she said.

“It will be there then for you to adjust and change as you feel necessary.”

Information gathering

Ms Blackwell said the website will ask users if they are willing to give extra details on their story, in order for the organisation to gather more data about sexual violence in Ireland.

“This won't be a way in which you can tell the Guards or anything because it will be totally anonymous, but it may be a way that we can identify trends,” she said.

“We can work out not just [about] people who have been raped but say somebody who has been really harmed by harassment in their workplace or by catcalling.

“We're hoping we'll be able, over time, to build up an understanding of what has happened.

“The core purpose is to allow people to tell their account in their own words, in their own way – but it is also part of building a better conversation in Ireland.

“We are still in a place where we don't talk about this enough in our country.

“We hope that this will be one of the ways that people can talk more.”

The launch

Ms Blackwell said those interested in reading or writing about a story of sexual violence can visit WeSpeak.ie from today.

“We don't expect everyone to be able to put something up immediately,” she said.

“It's amazing the way people have processed their accounts.

“Some people have put up little works of art, some people have written poems about this kind of thing.

“It's a huge support for other people as well as being able to make your own accounts.”

There are 16 Rape Crisis Centres around Ireland, offering direct support and services to people who have experienced sexual violence, at any time.

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