Long-term funding of rape crisis centre a concern
RAPE Crisis Network Ireland CEO Cliona Saidlear was present at the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre in Tralee last week as the centre launched its strategic plan for the next five years.
The four main goals of the plan are to provide free, professional counselling to all survivors of sexual violence; to provide a support programme to survivors as well as their families and friends; to develop education and training initiatives to create awareness and understanding of the effects of sexual crime; and to continue participation in local and national networks.
Ms Saidlear acknowledged the hard work carried out by Director Vera O’Leary and all who have helped in providing the centre’s services for more than 26 years. She was, however, concerned over what she considers the uncertain mid- to long-term funding of the service.
“This is a problem for the Board and the Director of the Centre in planning for the future of the service,” she said. “Funding of the Centre is also a worry for the staff of the Centre.
“They provide an invaluable service but have no certainty as to how this will be funded over the next few years. The rollover of funding from TUSLA (the primary source of funds) is from year to year, but the future is unclear. The counselling, court accompaniment, training, schools programmes and advocacy could not be provided on the scale that it is without the additional funding raised on behalf of the Centre, and I would like to thank all those who have been involved in fundraising.”
Among the aims identified by Ms O’Leary, speaking to The Kerryman, is to provide more outreach counselling, particularly to more rural areas of the county. She would also like to have an educational co-ordinator in place to increase awareness through educational centres and groups, and to give people and groups the skills they need to provide guidance on such issues.
“There are several issues that have led to the necessity of developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan, including the increasing societal change in Kerry, meaning the organisation needs to adapt its services to meet the extra requirements of current and potential clients,” Ms O’Leary said.
“The plan provides a framework for planning and delivery of existing services and sets the agenda for the development of new services that are needed to suit the needs of women and men affected by sexual violence and abuse.”
Anyone who wishes to see the strategic plan in full can visit the centre at 5 Greenview Terrace, Prince’s Quay, Tralee. To get in touch with the centre, you can phone (066) 712 3122 or visit www.krsac.com for a full list of services, and information on donating.