Connect with us

Community

Rape Crisis Midwest launched Strategic Plan during Global 16 Days of Action

Published

3 months ago

on

Rape Crisis Midwest launched Strategic Plan during Global 16 Days of Action

Rape Crisis Midwest launches a new Strategic Plan as part of Global 16 Days of Action which will steer them into 2028

One area the Centre hopes to expand in the Midwest is the accompaniment service for those attending a Forensic Medical Exam after a recent rape or sexual assault

Rape Crisis Midwest launched its new Strategic Plan on November 25, marking day one of the Global 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women movement. The strategic plan is a document which will steer them into 2028.

The new Strategic Plan commits to not only maintaining the high level of services they offer to all survivors of sexual violence but also to expanding the services they can offer across the Midwest.

The launch event saw Executive Director of Rape Crisis Midwest, Siobhán O’Leary, thank the staff, Board, volunteers and stakeholders, including Cuan, Rape Crisis Ireland, HSE, UHL and An Garda Síochana.


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement

Ms O’Leary had a strong message for survivors of sexual violence, saying, “To the survivors that access our services past, present and future. This is a service for you, by you and will be there for you when you are ready to take that step. I am blown away each and every time I speak with survivors, blown away by their strength of character, integrity and courage. With this strategic plan, Rape Crisis Midwest commits to keeping you at the centre of our services and commits to listening and hearing what you are saying. Survivors will continue to be our guiding light, and we will continue in our work to make sure survivors are heard, believed and find justice and healing in whatever form that may take.”

The maintenance and development of all Rape Crisis Midwest accompaniment services will remain a key part of their strategic goals across the coming years.

One area the Centre hopes to expand in the Midwest is the accompaniment service for those attending a Forensic Medical Exam after a recent rape or sexual assault. Currently, people attending this service cannot do so without a report being made to An Garda Síochana.

Additionally, if a survivor is not ready to report or does not want to so quickly after the incident, they are then required to travel to a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Cork or Galway. This is not an acceptable situation for survivors in Limerick, Clare or North Tipperary.

The maintenance and development of all Rape Crisis Midwest accompaniment services will remain a key part of their strategic goals across the coming years.

Ms O’Leary added, “This strategic plan represents Rape Crisis Midwest commitment to maintaining, evolving and expanding services for survivors and their supporters across the Midwest. RCM will continue to advocate for sexual violence services in the Midwest and will continue their work for, and on of behalf of those that use the services.”

Rape Crisis Midwest launches a new Strategic Plan as part of Global 16 Days of Action which will steer them into 2028
The new Strategic Plan was launched as part of Global 16 Days of Action which will steer them into 2028
Related Topics:

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.