Welcome for dismissal of appeal to High Court ruling on Nikita Hand action

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal upholding the High Court’s ruling in a civil suit taken by Nikita Hand against Conor McGregor in November 2024.

Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, said:

“Today’s decision by the Appeals Court confirms the finding by a High Court jury last November that Conor McGregor raped Nikita Hand and that damages were due to her.

“We hope the Court’s judgement closes the door on a protracted, traumatic and challenging road for Nikita Hand that was marked by attempts to discredit her, obfuscate the truth and derail her determination to seek justice.

“We are relieved that justice has eventually been served, for Nikita but also for the many other survivors who so strongly identify with her through this process.

“We see the defendant for what he is –another guy using tactics from an age-old perpetrator-playbook in an attempt to avoid judgment and culpability.

“But while he will undoubtedly be rehabilitated by brands and associates who will overlook what he has done, a stain will always remain – the truth that Nikita Hand fought for.

“We hope that lessons and reforms arise from this case, including a more victim-centred civil and criminal justice system and a shift in the public’s attitudes towards victims of sexual violence.

“The Central Statistics Office has reported that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime, so this is an issue that affects hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland – and yet survivors still face hostility, suspicion, shame and blame.

“The CSO has shown that given the multiple barriers they face, fewer than 3% of people who have experienced sexual violence as an adult ever report it to Gardai.

“While we all have a right of access to justice, can we say with confidence that justice is truly being served if a particular community of victims – survivors of sexual violence – overwhelmingly lacks confidence to seek justice?

“Our own research earlier this year revealed more than 3 in 10 people would not suggest contacting Gardai after a sexual assault, and 1 in 2 believe that sexual offence trials are much harder for survivors compared to other types of crimes.

“This cannot be the best we can offer survivors of sexual violence and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre will continue to advocate for victim-centred reform.

“We saw a significant increase in first-time callers to the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline as a result of the trial last November, and we anticipate that there will be an outpouring of public support now too.

“Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has rostered a full complement of Helpline Counsellors on the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline to support anyone who might need it.

“Nikita’s encouragement of other survivors and her understanding for their experience has left a lasting and inspiring impression.

“We are proud to have supported her in her pursuit of justice – we at Dublin Rape Crisis Centre send our best wishes to Nikita, her partner, her daughter and wider family and friend group for a hopeful future.

“Nikita Hand spoke truth to power and now the truth is known to all. Thank you, Nikita.”

Free, confidential & non-judgmental support for anyone affected by sexual violence is on the 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778888