RCNI Press Release 23 November 2007

Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre (North East) (RC&SAC(NE)) celebrates 10th years on the 28th of November at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk 9:30 – 11:30, refreshments provided, in the face of continued poor levels of funding from the HSE . Speakers will include Mairead McGuiness MEP, Dr. James Urquhart (chairperson), Fiona Neary, RCNI Director and Grace McArdle RC&SAC (NE) Director. As part of their celebrations they are hosting of the National Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) AGM 28th & 29th of November.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘the RCNI would like to extend our congratulations to RC&SAC (North East) on its 10th year delivering a vital service to the North East. In support of the Centre we remain deeply disturbed at the on-going severe under-funding of rape crisis services in the North East.

‘Whilst congratulating the HSE in funding Rape Crisis North East to date, we also have to question the severely inadequate allocation, which is greatly at odds with investment in sexual violence service in the rest of the Country. Similar regions in the Country receive 4 times the level of funding as the North East. As a result victims in the NE face the possibility of not being able to access the specialised response service offered by the Centre.

‘This situation cannot continue.’

Mairead McGuinness, MEP, guest of Honour at the celebrations congratulated the Rape Crisis Centre on ten years of achievement, said, ‘the organisation was set up to respond to the needs of people affected by the severe trauma of sexual assault and for whom there was no other outlet providing a response that was so understanding, so focused and so action orientated.

‘Run on a charitable basis, the Rape Crisis Centre, along with the people whom it has helped, has also influenced changes for the better in how courts deal with the issue, although there is a still a very long way to go.

‘Ten years on there is an ever increasing demand for the services of the Centre. The issues of power control and violence, manifest in sexual abuse and assault, are not just affecting women but men also. And as the Helpline shows, there is a demand from the under 18s who have moved beyond using child centred services such as Childline.’


Grace McArdle, Managing Director of the RC&SBC (NE) commented, ‘surviving 10 years is a significant achievement for any charity. ‘Our 10th Anniversary is to highlight how the charity has grown from a small organisation to an organisation that can now provide a vast range of support services for victims of sexual violence. Our services now include telephone helpline and support service, face-to-face counselling, advocacy and court accompaniment services to women and men over 18 years of age. The centre also has an education programme service that can also be delivered to the under 18’s age group whom are a particular vulnerable group in our society. A team of trained helpline volunteers offer their services to the centre by supporting clients contacting the centre through our helpline facility, fundraising and providing cover to the centre in times of need.

‘Our 10th anniversary is a celebration of achievement by all those involved with the Centre over the passed 10 years. We are an organisation consisting of professional and enthusiastic staff and have a number of supportive and active volunteers. My sincere congratulations to the great work of the staff and volunteers of the Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre North East who make this Centre a success.’

Notes:
• The RC&SAC (NE) is based in Dundalk and services Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and North Meath
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
• The RC&SAC (NE) is hosting the RCNI AGM on the 28th and 29th of November, in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447
……………………….ENDS…………………………..