Calls to a rape crisis line in the north have doubled from last week, a rise linked to the bravery of survivors coming forward to share their stories, according to a support group for victims of sexual assault.

Calls to a rape helpline almost doubled over the weekend following the verdict of the civil rape case against Conor McGregor, the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has said. On Friday, a jury at the High Court in Dublin found the mixed martial arts fighter had assaulted Nikita Hand by raping her in a hotel in Dublin in December 2018.

And Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said: “Since the jury found in favour of Nikita Hand, there has been a strong effect across Irish society that we are feeling in Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.