Crowds gathered in solidarity with Nikita Hand and all survivors
Hundreds of people gathered to march in solidarity with Nikita Hand in Dublin last night.
The march comes days after Nikita Hand won her civil assault claim against Conor McGregor.
The DPP chose not to prosecute McGregor in a criminal trial.
Hand sued the MMA fighter for damages after accusing him of raping her in a hotel in Dublin in 2018.
ROSA organised the march to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Crowds chanted “Thank you, Nikita” and “No more fear, no more shaming – we reject your victim blaming” as they walked from City Hall to the DPP.
Speaking at the event, People Before Profit candidate Ruth Coppinger said Nikita was unable to attend the event as she’s understandably recovering after the civil case.
She described Hand as “an incredibly brave woman” and said “the overwhelming support of the Irish public is definitely with Nikita”.
“I am absolutely in awe of that woman and her courage”
Hand has been praised for helping victims of sexual assault feel less alone.
Speaking outside the courts on Friday evening, Hand said: “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how afraid you might be, speak up, you have a voice and keep on fighting for justice.”
Other speakers included Shoshi Chong and Natasha O’Brien.
“The whole of Ireland and the world held their breath as we watched Nikita bravely and courageously fight for justice,” O’Brien said last night.
“We are all so proud of her. I am absolutely in awe of that woman and her courage,” she continued.
“But this is not real justice. Real justice would be watching McGregor in a criminal court and him put behind bars,” O’Brien stated.
For those who wish to share their stories but to remain anonymous, DRCC’s We-Consent campaign has created a survivor story-sharing platform, WeSpeak.ie. It allows people to share their stories safely and securely, in their own time.
The 24-hour National Helpline 1800 778888 provides free, confidential, and non-judgmental support after sexual violence at any time.
READ MORE:
- ‘Listen, don’t blame’ – Ireland needs to ban the phrase ‘she was asking for it’
- March in solidarity with Nikita Hand to take place in Dublin
- ‘There’s a little bit of decadence to coming out’ – Sara Phillips on being a trans woman in Ireland
- Natasha O’Brien says we shouldn’t be celebrating the DPP’s sentencing appeal
- Natasha O’Brien on how the court process felt like another attack
- Minister McEntee agrees some sentences ‘have not matched severity of crimes’
