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.
DRCC Chief Executive 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.”
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.”
