This article is from page 2 of the 2014-05-20 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
MORE than a a dozen people Clare people will be affected by the temporary closure of the Rape Crisis Centre Midwest in Ennis.
The centre yesterday cited funding shortfalls as the reason for closing offices and services in Ennis, Nenagh and Limerick.
Rape Crisis Midwest provides a confidential one to one counselling service to both male and female survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse. The service sees approximately 80 clients a week in the entire midwest.
Between 12 and 14 people a week attend the service at the Tracklands business park in Ennis.
Many of those are adults who suffered sexual abuse as children.
The Ennis centre is due to close on a temporary basis in September.
A spokeswoman for Rape Crisis Midwest said yesterday, “The financial status of the centre is at a critical point. We are part funded by the Child and Family Agency and, like many other charities, have experienced significant cutbacks over the last number of years. There is no reasonable prospect of meeting our shortfall, estimated to be in the region of € 120,000 in the entire midwest. The current fundraising programme in place will not satisfy that shortfall.”
Rape Crisis Midwest provides 3.2 counselling staff to cater for demand in Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.
She continued, “We regrettably have been forced to implement cost saving measures including a decision to temporarily close the Clare and Tipperary service for at least one month and possibly more. In addition, we have had to implement similar measures in Limerick and will only be in a position to offer a skeletal and limited service over the coming months. This is a decision that we have not taken lightly and has come on the back of additional significant cost-saving measures over the last number of years.”
The decision to close will not affect the centre’s forensic service unit for sexual assault victims, which will continue to operate at the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.
The service is appealing for donations. For further information log on to www.rapecrisis.ie or contact 1800 311511.
The spokeswoman continued, “It is ironic that during difficult economic times, demand for the service in the centres is even greater and we do not wish to have to close our doors to those who are most vulnerable in society. Please assist in helping to save our centre and providing this muchneeded service to survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse.” TODAY A ve ry we t a ft e rn o o n in sto re , te m p s a t 16c b u t h e avy sh o we rs.