How the Galway Rape Crisis Centre is helping sexual violence survivors

Warning: Some readers may find the content in this article triggering.

One place ensuring that survivors of sexual violence are seen and heard is the Galway Rape Crisis Centre. In a new documentary with JOE, in partnership with the Always Here campaign, the team at the Galway Rape Crisis Centre opened up about the importance of listening to survivors.

Art psychotherapist and educator, Sinéad Rowe, shared: “I don’t think there can be a time limit on how somebody works through their trauma…What drew me to the work was seeing how many people are affected.”

Sinéad’s words were echoed by the Executive Director, Cathy Connolly, who highlighted the importance of giving survivors the tools they need to cope with what has happened to them. She explained, “We can’t erase the memories, but we can help people work through them.”

A lot of progress has been made in Ireland in recent years in how victims/survivors of sexual violence are supported, including through the launch of the Always Here campaign.

The main aim of the campaign, led by Cuan, the National Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Agency, is to inform and reassure survivors of sexual violence that help is always available when they are ready to reach out for support.

The campaign website, alwayshere.ie, has lots of useful information for victims/survivors of sexual violence, such as:

-information on what supports are available, such as national helplines, along with
-local services throughout Ireland.
-what to expect when reporting sexual violence,
-how to get help for historical abuse; and
-how to recognise sexual violence.

We can all help empower survivors of sexual violence by reassuring them that they will be listened to, believed and supported. The Always Here campaign website also has a section specifically for those who are concerned for someone else and provides practical information on how to help and become an ally to a victim/survivor of sexual violence.

That information can be found at alwayshere.ie/ally.

There are so many organisations out there that are ready to support survivors of sexual violence, just like the Galway Rape Crisis Centre. Reaching out to their helpline can be the first step on the road to recovery.

Marie, a helpline counsellor, stressed that the helpline is confidential and survivors can trust that their words will never leave the walls of that room.

She shared, “Anything that is said here is held here.”

There is help and support available to all victims of sexual violence in Ireland, and it will be there for you whenever you are ready to seek that help.

The people who work in these organisations are there for you, as are the people who march against sexual violence, who are fighting to make Ireland a safer country, and those you hold closest to you.

As a nation, Ireland stands with survivors of these crimes, and that is something we as a society will shout about until every survivor feels seen and heard. It's so important to remember that there is so much more support out there than you may realise.

If you are a victim/survivor of sexual violence, the Always Here website has all the information you need to get help so you can start your road to recovery.

Even in the darkest moments, remember that when you seek help, you will be believed, you will be listened to, and you will be supported.

Support is here for all survivors of sexual violence. You don’t need to deal with this alone, regardless of when it happened.

If you are a victim of sexual violence, support is always here.

Visit Alwayshere.ie, contact An Garda Síochána or call the National Helpline on 1800 778 888.

If you contact your local sexual violence support service, you will be listened to, taken seriously, and above all, believed.