Leaving Cert students urged to 'stay safe'

[Posted: Wed 18/08/2010 by Deborah Condon www.irishhealth.com]

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) is urging young people who are due to receive their Leaving Cert results today, to stay safe when celebrating.

Almost 58,000 students will receive their results today. According to DRCC chief executive, Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop, getting these results ‘is one of those very important rites of passage for young men and women in Ireland today'.

"Like all rites of passage, it is a transitional time and as such young people still need support in making the life changes that leaving school and the Leaving Cert results bring," she said.

The DRCC has devised a list of common sense tips that have been created in consultation with young men and women to help them when they are dealing with the consequences that this particular transition time brings.

Ms O'Malley-Dunlop pointed out that it has become a ‘tradition' for some young people to go away together to celebrate their results.

"This may be the first time that the class of 2010 will be away for an extended period without the support and supervision of an adult. While this can be very freeing, it can also be scary. These tips may seem simple but they are extremely useful and from feedback we have received, they have helped a lot of young people to stay safe, and as a result, have a memorable and great time together without adults," she noted.

The tips are as follows:

Prevention:

• Look out for each other
• Do not get separated from your group
• Keep your drink in your hand at all times
• Do not accept a drink from someone you have just met
• Ask a friend to mind your drink if you have to leave
• Stay in popular places and do not go to remote places
• Nominate a designated minder for each group of six (in the same way as designated drivers are used)
• Share taxies and lifts
• If you have to travel alone make sure you have phoned ahead to where you are going and give your estimated time of arrival
• Make sure your mobile is charged at all times

Steps to take if a bad incident occurs

• Key the number of the national helpline into your mobile phone -1 800 77 88 88
• Have your mobile phone charged at all times
• If you wish to report the crime, report it to the Gardai
• Seek medical help
• If you are abroad get in touch with your travel agent
• Have the number of the Irish Embassy or Consulate keyed into your phone

The DRCC reminds people that having sexual intercourse with a person without their consent constitutes rape.

The rape crisis national helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1800 77 88 88.