IN THE HOURS that followed the ‘not guilty’ verdicts in the Ulster Rugby rape trial, word landed that rallies would take place around the country the following day in response to the treatment of women within the justice system.
And this afternoon, hundreds of members of the public gathered at demonstrations in cities around the country.
In Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Galway and Belfast, individuals carrying ”I believe her’ placards chanted ‘we stand with her’ as conversation surrounding consent and victim-blaming took center stage in the nation’s consciousness.
Here is a snapshot of the scenes taking place the length and breadth of Ireland today.
In Cork
Massive crowds outside Cork City Hall for the #IBelieveHer solidarity rally. We cannot blame victims anymore🌼 #IStillBelieveHer pic.twitter.com/YJMqD0DJQl
— Kate (@katekelly_) 29 March 2018
In Waterford
#IStillBelieveHer demonstration in #Waterford pic.twitter.com/E5TPjyNU5b
— Martina Collender 🐞 (@Teenycollender) 29 March 2018
In Galway
Great to see a good crowd here in #Galway to say #IBelieveHer pic.twitter.com/DumugpwR1x
— Cathy Coote (@CathyCoote) 29 March 2018
In Dublin
Huge crowds at the Spire in Dublin now. #IBELIEVEHER pic.twitter.com/nksRoYXUqQ
— Susie Q (@SusieQmusic) 29 March 2018
That's the crowd now at the #IBelieveHer rally. It's stopped raining also. pic.twitter.com/QZeDOm6aNs
— Cormac Fitzgerald (@Cormfitz) 29 March 2018
I really hope she has an idea of how supported she is. I hope it's some comfort. We believe her. And we owe her. pic.twitter.com/9ee5W72GGT
— Aifric (@aifreckle) 29 March 2018
Solidarity rally with Belfast rape complainant blocking O’Connell street pic.twitter.com/70YTzr1njJ
— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) 29 March 2018
✊ #IBelieveHer pic.twitter.com/LptyfHOAG0
— 𝑪𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒂 (@Ciaraioch) 29 March 2018
And in the city where the trial took place.
This is happening at Laganside Courts right now. But you might not see it on the news later. #IBelieveHer pic.twitter.com/OgoHqAsFxH
— Laura Caughey (@el_cee17) 29 March 2018
