Call for public to show #support4survivors in new fundraising appeal

11 October 2021

Therapist understood quote (2)

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) has today commenced a week-long fundraising appeal, calling on the public to donate whatever they can towards helping victims/survivors to heal from the trauma of sexual violence.

DRCC is asking the public for its support from 11 to 17 October as it continues to meet high demand for help, especially as - for the second year running – the organisation has had to cancel its annual Flag Day bucket collection, which usually raises about €40,000 for its work.

Therapist Keelin Deasy says that the therapy offered to survivors can have a powerful impact. “I support clients in some of their darkest times as they heal from something that should have never been done to them.  Healing from sexual violence is not easy - it takes time and patience.  Sometimes it feels a little like a river that ebbs and flows.  And yet we see our clients heal from these experiences all the time.”

“We know people can heal, we know therapy is very effective in making that happen. So we are asking people to support our important work with a donation this week,” said Ms Deasy.

Chief Executive Noeline Blackwell commented, “We recently reported the terrible stress on people during lockdown that was amplified for those who have experienced sexual violence. We have continued to help callers on the National Helpline as well as those who receive therapy from our skilled therapists. We have continued to accompany those attending Garda stations and court, offering information and support. We have continued to offer specialised training to those working with victims/survivors on the frontline.

“Under lockdown, we innovated with our online services, meaning we now have our webchat crisis support and a high capacity online trauma support programme. With your support, for which we are truly grateful, we will continue to do all this and promise to do more,” said Ms Blackwell.

DRCC is asking people to show #support4survivors by donating at drcc.ie/donate or by texting ‘DRCC’ to 50300 to give €4 once, or ‘HELP’ to 50300 to donate €4 monthly.

#support4survivors

/ENDS

Notes for editors:  

  1. Information on the campaign, which runs Monday 11 October to Sunday 17 October 2021, is on the DRCC website at https://www.drcc.ie/news-resources/events/2021/10/11/support4survivors-drcc-appeal/
  2. Donations can be made to drcc.ie/donate or
    by texting ‘DRCC’ to 50300 (Texts cost €4. DRCC will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278).
    by texting ‘HELP’ to 50300 to set up a monthly donation of €4 (This is a subscription service. Text costs €4 per month. DRCC will receive a minimum of €3.60 per text. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278.)
  3. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims/survivors of sexual violence.  
  4. DRCC operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country.
  5. DRCC offers counselling & therapy to clients and provides accompaniment to the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas by arrangement.   
  6. We have outreach offices at Coolock, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Balbriggan & Tallaght. Access to these services must be arranged via the National Helpline 1800 778888 during working hours, Mon-Fri.   
  7. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists should remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88 for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.  
  8. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is one of the frontline services engaged with the Department of Justice & Equality on its #StillHere campaign. The www.stillhere.ie website contains information on supports and services for people affected by domestic violence including sexual violence, as well as digital & online safety and courts, legal aid and advice.

/ENDS