Dating app sex assault victim urges others to seek immediate help to record abuse

A student who was sexually assaulted after meeting a man on a dating app has urged other survivors to seek help immediately to ensure there is a record of the abuse. She was 20 at the time and had moved to Belfast to begin university. Last year, 25-year-old Fearghall Joseph Mulgrew, of Mullaghmoyle Road in Stewartstown, County Tyrone, was jailed after pleading guilty to sexually and physically assaulting her. He received a 22-month sentence in April 2024, with 14 months to be served on licence.

The attack unfolded after the two had casually dated and connected on a dating app. They met in March 2021 and agreed to a short-term relationship that included rough sexual activity planned for 03:00 local time. The survivor said that while she initially consented to trying such acts, the experience far exceeded what she had expected. She described being bitten and having intimate areas targeted; she attempted to use a safe word, but it did not stop the assault and he restrained her by pressing his mouth against hers, making it hard to speak. The encounter left her with lasting physical and emotional distress.

Reporting the incident to police came almost a year after the assault. She later attended the Rowan sexual assault referral centre, which she says proved crucial to the prosecution. She notes that the centre gathered statements, photographs, swabs and other evidence that would have been difficult to obtain later. She urges other survivors to seek help even if they are unsure, explaining that timely action can provide vital documentation if they decide to report later. "If I hadn't gone to Rowan, reporting to the police would have been far more difficult. The evidence gathered there can be invaluable in court," she said.

The case comes as authorities describe ongoing efforts to tackle violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. Three years after the Police Service of Northern Ireland launched a dedicated action plan, the force says it has made thousands of arrests under new legislation and implemented targeted patrols, while also issuing stalking protection orders under the updated laws. Monthly patterns show hundreds of arrests for domestic abuse, dozens for stalking and related offences, and dozens for non-fatal strangulation. In the year leading up to July 2025, recorded violence against women and girls offences fell about 4% year over year, according to PSNI figures.

Det Chief Inspector Leah Crothers, who leads the VAWG efforts within the PSNI, said reducing harm will require a broad societal effort. She emphasized that progress depends on accountability for perpetrators, supportive communities, and strong partnerships to keep spaces safe.

The survivor in this interview underscored the broader message: too many men still blur the lines of consent and hold misogynistic views. She urged education for men and boys and stressed that women should feel supported enough to report abuse without fear. She added that speaking out is part of a wider movement to change attitudes and to ensure everyone understands consent and safety.

If you are affected by domestic abuse, there is a range of support services available via the BBC's Action Line page.

The investigation and coverage of this case illustrate the health and safety dimensions of sexual violence, including immediate medical care, the importance of timely reporting, and the long-term impact on survivors' well-being. Health services, legal pathways and community support all play roles in addressing injuries, trauma, and the recovery of those affected. Health professionals continue to emphasize the importance of confidential, nonjudgmental care and the availability of forensic and psychological support as part of a coordinated response to such incidents.

Looking ahead, advocates say sustained effort is needed to shift cultural norms around consent and violence against women. Survivors call for continued education, robust reporting pathways, and policies that ensure prompt access to health services and legal remedies. Health systems, law enforcement, social services and education sectors must work in concert to reduce harm and improve outcomes for those affected by dating violence and sexual assault.