Rape Crisis North East to open new centre for region

In the first early hours of 1992, a reserved 18-yearold woman from Kilkenny was raped by her boyfriend after a New Year’s Eve disco.

When William Conry was handed a suspended prison sentence for the rape, his victim Lavinia Kerwick became a household name for being one of the first women to speak publicly about such a harrowing ordeal. Her bravery was applauded by many, and Rape Crisis North East are delighted to welcome her as their guest speaker at the launch of their new premises ‘Cherrywood Counselling Centre’ next week.

Located in the iconic building the ‘Great Northern Distillery Offices, Carrickmacross Road, Dundalk, the new offices will open at 11am on Monday October 1st, and will be formally launched by Minister Heather Humphreys, TD and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

“The new environment helps convey to our clients, women and men, girls and boys from the age of 12, that this is a place where they can feel safe, where they can speak freely and speak in confidence”.

The new premises are located beside public transport, with parking facilities available. It is also close to essential services like the Garda station and our local hospital,” Grace McArdle, Manager of Rape Crisis North East said. “Rape Crisis North East is the only specialised service available to those who have been traumatised by Child Sexual Abuse, Rape, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment within the North East and border region. For further information, counselling or support please contact our Freephone Confidential Helpline Number 1800 212 122.