10/08/2012

Galway Rape Crisis Centre 'Struggling' With Demand

Galway Rape Crisis Centre has said they are "struggling" to deal with a makred increase in sexual assaults.

Executive Chairperson Aoibheann McCann told the Galway Independent today that the organisation has seen the number of incidents reported to GRCC rise dramatically over the last few months and it has now been forced to move to a larger premises to accommodate local sexual assault victims.

"We have noticed a much larger number of call-outs. For example, there was six cases last week alone.

We are really struggling to deal with the numbers and people are now having to wait up to two weeks for their first visit and up to two or three months to see a counsellor," she said.

The situation reflects recent figures released by the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, which showed an 11 per cent increase in the number of survivors seeking counselling and assistance in 2011.

Over 2,541 people availed of services offered by the 15 rape crisis centres across the country in 2011, with 28,615 contacts made to RCC helplines.

(H)


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