Sexual Abuse Survivor Shares Her Story Alongside Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's 'Signs Of Hope' Campaign

Paula Doyle was raped in 2019, and has shared her story on this morning's Kildare Today, along with shedding light on the DRCC's new campaign

"Although our cases were completely different, we're all unique, but we have such similar feelings because of what has happened".

In October, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre launched its 'Signs of Hope' campaign, which aims to connect survivors who have both accessed and benefitted from support with others who have experienced sexual violence and/or abuse, but who never sought support.

'Signs of Hope' is a campaign that focuses on the empowerment from survivors of sexual violence through letters penned in their own handwriting.

Billboards with these messages will be displayed around Dublin city and on social media, and radio ads with words of encouragement will run throughout the 4-week campaign, launched on 14 October.

Speaking on this morning's Kildare Today programme was Paula Doyle, who lives in Blanchardstown, on her story of surviving sexual violence and highlighting the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's new campaign.

In September 2019, Paula was raped by her friend's husband, Aidan Kestell of Briarswood Lawn, Dublin 15, as he walked her home from a party in his house.

After the assault, Paula detailed her attempt to "get through the weekend" and be a mother, but soon realised this wasn't possible.

"There was no way I'm going to be able to survive this, I didn't even know if I would be surviving. I didn't know if I would be here today".

Kestell was convicted of raping Paula earlier this year, and was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years.

It took almost five years for him to be sentenced.

Paula also discovered that Kestell was responsible for sending her thousands of messages from an unknown number, some of which were sexually graphic.

Paula sought counselling from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, and those notes were requested by the DPP in January.

Those notes were seen by the DPP, as well as the defence and Kestell himself.

"These are private and confidential - well, what I thought were private and confidential notes", said Paula on this morning's show.

Four years worth of counselling notes were seen.

"My deepest, my darkest, my lowest times - [Kestell] had already taken enough, and now he was taking this.

"It was, for me and other victims that I've spoken to, felt like it was nearly a second violation".

Following Kestell's conviction, Paula said she knew that was the day she could begin her healing, as she knew Kestell was not able to hurt her anymore.

Following Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's new 'Signs of Hope' campaign, Paula described the campaign as one that allows victims, who feel "so overwhelmed and so alone", to look at the penned letters written by those going through similar situations and thoughts.

"Although our cases were completely different, we're all unique, but we have such similar feelings because of what has happened".

The 'Signs of Hope' campaign can be found here, where you can read the letters written by survivors like Paula.

The full interview can be listened to here:

If you or a loved one are affected, helplines can be found below:

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24/7 helpline - 1800 77 8888

Women's Aid - 1800 341 900

Men's Aid - 01 554 3811

One in Four - 01 662 4070

Emergency services - 112 or 999