Beat is proud to present "No Excuses", a four-part podcast series examining sexual violence and sexual harassment in Ireland.
The podcast aims to highlight the prevalence of sexual violence in our communities and asks listeners to make "no excuses" in putting a stop to sexual violence and sexual harassment in Ireland.
Beat's Michelle Heffernan attempts to understand this difficult subject by speaking to experts in the field, as well as interviewing real-life victims of sexual harassment and abuse. With a mix of heartbreaking personal stories, as well as informative testimonies, she helps us to understand the attitudes and actions that cause and permit sexual violence today.
Speaking about the podcast Michelle said "this is one of the most difficult subjects to address but one of the most important to talk about. Sexual violence and sexual harassment are happening every day in our communities and we need to understand them if we are going to act against them".
It’s time to listen, learn and put a stop to sexual harassment and sexual violence in Ireland.
Episode One: Covers topics such as child sexual abuse, consent, legal definitions of harassment and sexual violence, sexual violence and men, as well as breaking down the best strategies advised to combat incidents of sexual violence.
Episode Two: Episode Two of No Excuses digs deeper into the issues of Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment, asking, is there a link between the two? Rape survivor and Sexual Violence campaigner Linda Hayden shares her story with Michelle and discussed how attitudes can turn into actions of violence.
Episode Three: In this episode we open up the discussion around consent, detailing what exactly the term means, and how it plays a role in separating sexual activity from sexual violence.
Michelle also seeks to include those victims we have left out of the conversation and asks just how sexual violence and sexual harassment affects men.
Episode Four: In the final instalment of No Excuses, we investigate what actions victims, witnesses, and everyday citizens need to take in order to put a stop to sexual violence and sexual harassment in Ireland.
If you have been sexually assaulted, it wasn't your fault. Sexual assault is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens.
Sexual assaults are often carried out by someone known to the victim. This could be a partner, former partner, relative, friend or colleague.
Sexual assault can happen to anyone. You may have no physical injuries or obvious signs after the incident. But sexual assault is a serious crime and you can report it to the Gardaí.
If you need urgent help call 112 or 999.
If you were sexually assaulted at any time in your life, the Rape Crisis Centre can help.
They offer advice and support on where to go depending on what your situation is.
Freephone: 1800 77 88 88 (24-Hour helpline)
Women’s Aid can help you if you are experiencing domestic violence. They give advice on how you can help yourself and others. You can also contact them 24 hours-a-day on 1800 341 900.
Men's Aid Ireland is a service for men who are experiencing domestic violence. You can call them on 01 554 3811or email [email protected].
Their helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
Aoibhneas is a women and children’s refuge. You can contact them 24 hours-a-day on 01 867 0701 or email [email protected]
