I recently marked one year of volunteering with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. People are usually horrified when I tell them about the role, which I try not to take offence at.

Sexual violence is part of life, and for the 40% of us who’ve experienced it, it’s not something we can ignore.

Regardless of peoples misconceptions and judgements, it is some of the most meaningful work I’ve ever done. I hold close the handful of people I know I’ve helped either on the helpline or in the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU), and am grateful/honoured to have been able to play a role in their stories.