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Tag Archives: Rape Crisis Midwest

Quiz Night for Rape Crisis Mid-West in home of rugby

ON Friday October 7, Rape Crisis Mid-West is holding a fundraising quiz night at Thomond Park. The ‘Ultimate Quiz Night’ is promised to be a fun- filled night for all involved. A spokesperson said, “We are using this event as an opportunity to raise funds for us here in Phoenix House. This is our ninth year in a row to host this event. “However, we are especially delighted to be back in Thomond Park in person after two years running the event online. “Over the last eight years, the event has raised nearly €100,000 and we hope to make this event our best ever.” The quiz is taking place on Friday, October 7, at 8pm. Doors opening at 7pm. The spokesperson added, “We are inviting you to buy a table of four and then you and your teammates will rattle your brains to be in the chance of winning prize money of €500. “It’s €40 for each team of four …

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Soccer Sisters pitch in to raise €5,000 for Rape Crisis Midwest

THE Soccer Sisters, a social soccer club in Ennis, came out in force for Rape Crisis Midwest recently. The club organised a Charity Soccer Blitz featuring several teams from across County Clare raising €5,000. The club, which has a large membership of women, is a relatively newly established soccer team and community is at the heart of the club. The teams took part in a Round Robin type tournament at the astro turf at Planet Entertainment, Ennis, last Saturday week, July 2. It was very much a family affair with children, parents and partners joining in to support the players, to hand out food and refreshments and to present the prizes. The winning team was Bunratty Cratloe with Bridge Celtic FC in second position and the hosts Soccer Sisters finishing third. Laura Thompson of Soccer Sister explained, “Fifty-seven fantastic women took part on the day, 46 matches over six hours. I would like to thank the coaches, referees and volunteers …

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Rape Crisis Midwest’s digital focus and support for Ukrainians

SUPPORT for Ukrainian survivors of rape has been added to the website of the Midwest’s main sexual violence response agency.  Rape Crisis Midwest is also aiming to reach out to a new generation through social and digital media supports. It comes as the organisation, which has offices in Ennis, Limerick and Nenagh, unveils a new Strategy and Action Plan for the next five years. The structuring of the new plan first started in 2019. The situation of the organisation was viewed very optimistically, as the economy was well into recovery mode. Covid-19 brought several challenges, but the importance of abiding by survivors meant that there was no option but to keep up with what was needed from the staff and volunteers at the centre.  “Through the choppy and unfortunate circumstances, it is easy to see how it also worked out as an opportune moment to reflect on how activity in the centre had been undertaken and to appraise the orchestration …

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‘Step up for Change’ to support Rape Crisis Midwest

WITH demand for services at an all-time high, Rape Crisis Midwest relies on fundraising events to bridge the annual deficit. Against that backdrop, the service will run the Step up for Change event in January. “We are challenging people to walk with us ‘virtually’, raising awareness of the services of Rape Crisis Midwest to both men and women who have been affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or childhood sexual abuse,” said Sharon Meaney, manager of the Clare Volunteer Centre. “You can challenge your friends, work colleagues, neighbours or buy a gift for Christmas that really makes a difference. “We have a new website, idonate.ie/stepupforchange, which will allow you to log your steps, access online resources provided by Tracy Guilfoyle of Heart, Health & Fitness and try out some delicious and healthy recipes shared by Frank Landy, Sweet ‘n’ Green.” Ahead of the launch, Ms Tarpey explained how people can get involved: “You can purchase a ‘Christmas Box’ for …

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Rape Crisis Midwest records major increase in past year

CALLS to Rape Crisis Midwest increased by almost three-quarters last year, new figures show. Data also reveal that there was a very significant increase in the time spent on helpline calls. The news comes as Rape Crisis Midwest prepares for a major funding initiative next January in a bid to respond to increased demand. The total number of calls to the centre increased by 74% during 2020, with 2,119 calls up from 1216 in 2019. One of the other notable statistics was the length of time on calls with an increase of 77% in calls lasting up to 30 minutes. Verena Tarpey of Rape Crisis Midwest highlighted the vital work and cooperation of the Garda Protective Services Unit, based in Crusheen, in supporting those who experience sexual violence. “Without a doubt, the work of the Protective Services Unit has transformed the experience for a survivor of a sexual crime, whether recent or in the past,” she said. “The Gardai working …

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Letting a light shine for fellow survivors of rape

“MY NAME is Martin Vernon and I’m a survivor of rape.” The words that the Ennis man spoke on RTÉ radio last month have had a huge resonance. Since the programme, Martin has had contact from all over the world, as well as many donations to a fundraiser he has organised for Rape Crisis Midwest. They have supported him in coming to terms with an attack he suffered more than 50 years ago. This year, the organisation is facing a sharp drop in funds and a steep rise in demand. At 15, Martin was groomed by two older men. He was invited to a party where he was drugged and raped. “It’s affected my life very badly in lots of ways that I’m sure are directly related,” he says.  Martin attempted twice to commit suicide and, in the past, had issues with gambling and alcohol. He likens the decades since the brutal attack to carrying around a sack of rocks. …

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Spike in calls to Rape Crisis Midwest, as funding drops

RAPE Crisis Midwest has seen an increase of more than 50% in helpline contacts since the start of the pandemic, as it struggles to make up a funding shortfall of around three-quarters. Fundraising Manager, Verena Tarpey told The Champion that many of the calls since March relate to abuse experienced decades ago, and that the lockdown may have triggered painful childhood experiences for some. “There’s no doubt that, particularly during the first lockdown when people were at home with their kids, there may have been triggers for them,” she said. “People also had time to reflect and to take stock. We saw a marked increase in calls to our centre during lockdown. Between March 1 and September 30, there was an increase of approximately 54% in helpline contacts when compared to the same period in 2019. There was also a significant increase in contact from particular age groups in the Midwest with a spike from those in the 24-29 and …

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Increase in number of contacts made to Rape Crisis Centres

A SIGNIFICANT 23% increase in contacts made to Rape Crisis Centre helplines during the three months of lockdown has been described as “not surprising” by Rape Crisis Midwest. As Rape Crisis Midwest’s Ennis centre became one of the first to re-open in the Midwest after lock-down, Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) has released statistics showing how Covid-19 has impacted survivors of sexual violence and Rape Crisis Centres. The RCNI data was drawn from six centres, including Rape Crisis Midwest, during the Covid stay-at-home period from March-June 2020. According to Verena Tarpey of Rape Crisis Midwest, “The report published last week reflects what Rape Crisis Midwest experienced on the ground over the last number of months. Our centre had to close in March, but we remained very much open to our clients. Staff were flexible in their working hours adjusting to the needs of clients – many taking place at night and over weekends where survivors were able to find a safe place to talk.” The …

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