Sexual Violence Helpline Calls Surge Following McGregor Civil Case Verdict

Calls to a sexual violence helpline nearly doubled over the weekend, according to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, after the verdict in the civil rape case against Conor McGregor. On Friday, a jury at the High Court in Dublin determined that the mixed martial arts fighter had assaulted Nikita Hand by raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. McGregor was ordered to compensate Ms Hand with almost €250,000 (£206,000) in damages. Concurrently, it has emerged that since the case concluded, several retailers, including Tesco, have indicated they will no longer stock products associated with McGregor. Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the crisis centre, further noted that the number of first-time callers rose by 50% over the weekend. She continued, “In the six hours immediately after the verdict was delivered on Friday afternoon the calls surged by 150%.” Ms Morrogh commented, “I think the trial has resulted in the scales falling off some people’s eyes as to what the victim experience is in an adversarial legal situation.” She added, “It has also thrown up some societal questions around the blame and shame placed on the victim when it really needs to be solely at the door of the perpetrator.” Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme, she remarked, “In Ireland, one in two people who have experienced sexual violence will never tell another person.” Aisling Graham, interim project coordinator for Rape Crisis NI, informed BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra programme that their information and support service experienced a doubling of calls “over the last week.” Ms Graham explained to the programme, “It’s difficult to say if that is due to recent news events or if it’s not, we wouldn’t ask our survivors exactly what has made them call.” Nevertheless, Ms Graham further indicated that Rape Crisis NI is observing an increase in calls pertaining to “historic events.” She elaborated, “People are thinking that they’re ready to disclose or ready to report it now. That could be something that people are seeing in the news of survivors, it could be a range of different things.” Ms Graham additionally stated that their organization typically experiences a rise in individuals seeking assistance after cases of this kind. In related news, the company that currently owns a whiskey brand initially co-founded by McGregor announced it would discontinue using his name and image in its marketing efforts. A spokeswoman for Proximo Spirits informed BBC News NI that the company has been the “100% owner of Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey since 2021.” Previously, the supermarket chain Tesco had declared its intention to withdraw Proper No 12 Whiskey from sale across the UK and Ireland. The Barry Group informed BBC News NI that it was taking Forged Stout and Proper 12 out of circulation in its Costcutter and Carry Out retail outlets. A spokeswoman stated, “This action reflects our commitment to maintaining a retail environment that resonates with the values of our customers and partners.” Forged Irish Stout was established by McGregor. A spokesperson for BWG Foods confirmed that the products are no longer slated for distribution throughout its network of SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE, Londis, and XL stores. Musgrave, the owner of several shop chains, has also ceased stocking items associated with the mixed martial arts fighter. Musgrave manages the Supervalu, Centra, Daybreak, and Mace brands. The Irish airport operator DAA announced that the whiskey was withdrawn from sale at both Dublin and Cork airports during the weekend. On Monday evening, hundreds of individuals demonstrated in Dublin to show their support for Ms Hand. The demonstrators proceeded from Dublin City Hall, alongside the River Liffey, to the office of the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), conveying their apprehension regarding what they consider a failure to pursue a criminal case against McGregor. A more stringent legal standard applies to criminal cases compared to civil cases, as the burden of proof in a criminal case is “beyond reasonable doubt,” whereas in a civil case, it is based on the “balance of probabilities.” Ms Morrogh expressed her conviction that certain social issues “need to be addressed to encourage victims into the justice system.” She stated, “There are wider questions about what kind of society we have where people can’t disclose experiences of sexual violence and know that the person they are talking to does believe them, won’t judge, won’t shame them and won’t blame them.” Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has asserted that the Director of Public Prosecutions ought to provide an explanation for the decision not to prosecute Conor McGregor. Conveying her solidarity and support for Ms Hand, McDonald stated, “She’s been through a horrible, horrible ordeal. I think she deserves and I think women more broadly deserve the absolute reassurance that the DPP has really interrogated this matter correctly and has taken the correct course of action.” She further told BBC News NI on Tuesday, “Now I am aware that there is a distinction between a criminal charge and a civil case, and the burden of proof is different in both. So it’s not for me to do the DPP’s job for them, but I think it is reasonable.” McDonald continued, “I’ve heard it in conversations, countless conversations, women asking: ‘Well, how is it that, since the civil case was successful, that a criminal charge was not pursued?'” She concluded, “I think in the interest of public confidence, it would be very, very helpful to have an answer.” In 2020, the DPP informed Ms Hand that there was “insufficient evidence” to initiate a criminal case and that a reasonable prospect of conviction did not exist. Ms Hand requested the DPP to re-examine the decision, expressing her belief that she was being treated unfairly because one of the individuals involved was famous. When questioned regarding the DPP’s choice not to prosecute, the departing Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee commented, “We have a very independent system in this country, and I think that’s right.” A hearing concerning legal fees is scheduled for this week. McGregor has also pledged to appeal the ruling.