Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the Athlone (Midland ) Rape Crisis Centre (AMRCC ) will be delighted to welcome clients back for face to face counselling sessions at their premises with staff adhering to all public health and safety guidelines so as to protect both clients and therapists.
Over the past few months AMRCC have been hearing from their clients regarding the additional strain staying at home has caused. Some clients who had left the service have returned due to this strain. The necessary public health restrictions during the past months can mirror the control and taking of freedom exerted by an abuser.
The feeling of being trapped has triggered feelings of not being able to tell, being silenced, not being able to get away. This is particularly true for survivors of child sexual abuse. Many survivors were already isolated by secrecy and fear before the imposition of social isolation. Fear of not being believed. Fear of what people might think of them. Fear of breaking up their family.
AMRCC understands that it has been very hard and indeed probably impossible for people to have the privacy or safety or indeed the time to make a call to their service. For many survivors trauma is resurfacing but they may also feel reluctant to prioritise themselves when so much else is going on.
The Gardai and domestic violence services are reporting a sharp rise in calls as those affected reach out for help. No one should live in fear. It is important to remember that many victims of domestic violence are also victims of sexual violence and are often reluctant to speak about this aspect of their trauma.
The management and staff of AMRCC wish to send out a clear message that clients will be welcome to contact their service even if they just want to talk on the phone. Client’s mental health and safety are the utmost priority.
Unfortunately, for the moment, AMRCC are only able to offer phone support but fully intend to reopen their centre to the public in August.
Please ring freefone 1800 306 600 to arrange an appointment or just to talk. There is no need to keep the secret any longer. The AMRCC service would be honoured to help and are aware how hard it is to make that initial call. Please remember it could be the first step towards your life free of secrets and fear.
