Speak Up on SPIN is back!
This season, we're looking at Intimate Image Abuse.
In this week’s episode, we speak to Sarah Benson from Women’s Aid about the relationship between IIA and Coercive Control.
Tune in for more from Speak Up On SPIN.
And keep an eye out on our socials for new videos each week.
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Supported by the Department of Justice
For anyone who has experienced intimate image abuse, the most important thing for them to remember is that it is not their fault and they are not alone.
If the intimate image abuse is part of domestic, family violence or other abuse, staying safe is the number one priority.
If a person is feeling unsafe, they should call Gardaí on 999 or 112.
Before taking steps to get the intimate images shared without consent removed, victims should make sure that they have a safety plan in place.
The following organisations can provide help with safety planning:
- Safe Ireland.
- Women's Aid.
- Men's Aid Ireland.
If an intimate image or video has been shared without that persons consent, they can report it to Hotline.ie here.
In some cases, hotline.ie can liaise with An Garda Síochána, should that person wish for it to be investigated by the Gardaí.
Before reporting intimate image-based abuse, it is a good idea for the victim to keep a copy or screenshot of what they have been experiencing.
This might help prove patterns of abuse and could also prove useful when engaging with the Gardaí and the courts.
Other available supports
Extensive details of support services that are available to victims of IIA are available on the following Department of Justice campaign websites here and here.
Some of the relevant Helplines include:
- The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre run a national 24-hour helpline which can be contacted on 1800 77 888.
- Women's Aid run a 24 hour national helpline on 1800 341 900.
- Men’s Aid Ireland are a national service supporting men and their families experiencing domestic abuse run a national confidential helpline which can be contacted on 01 554 3811 email hello@mensaid.ie.
- Aware – 1800 80 48 48.
- Samaritans – 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie.
- Pieta House – 1800 247 247 or email mary@pieta.ie.
- Teen-Line Ireland – 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 18).
- Childline – 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s).
The Victims Charter website launched by the Department of Justice is also a fantastic tool.
It sets out information on the services offered by the State as well as voluntary groups who work with victims of crime.
The charter can be accessed here.
