The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
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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