President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta visited the offices of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in Dublin city today as part of her visit to Ireland.

Chairperson Ann Marie Gill told President Coleiro Preca that the Centre promotes the healing and empowerment of victims of sexual violence. “We aim to provide those affected by sexual violence with the expert support and help that they are entitled to, both in terms of their health and their dealings with the justice system.  Equally urgently, we want to work to reduce the scourge that is sexual violence in our society.”

President Coleiro Preca, who takes a keen interest in the reduction of violence against women and gender based violence, attended a briefing session at the Centre where Margaret Martin, Director of Women’s Aid, highlighted issues relating to domestic violence and Maeve Lewis, Executive Director of One in Four, spoke of their work with survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Speaking after the visit, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre CEO Noeline Blackwell said “We were privileged to have President Coleiro Preca visit us today. We showed how important the holistic nature of our work is, combining healing, information, training and advocacy. This visit also reminds us that after Brexit, Malta and Ireland will be the only two English speaking countries with common-law experience in the EU and so will have particular experiences to contribute to the work of the EU as it campaigns to reduce violence against women and girls.”

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Spokesperson:  Noeline Blackwell 01 6614911

 

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Editor’s Notes

 

1. 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 of sexual violence.  It runs the National 24-hour Helpline for those who need it in any part of the country. It offers face to face therapy and accompaniment to the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations to people in Dublin and in surrounding areas from its offices at Leeson Street. There are outreach offices at Coolock Civic Centre, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Mountjoy Prison and Tallaght Hospital.  www.drcc.ie
2. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists 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 number 1800 77 88 88 for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.
3. Women’s Aid www.womensaid.ie
4. One In Four www.oneinfour.ie