Galway Rape Crisis Centre is looking for community support for some of its fundraising activities over the summer.
It is asking its supporters to run or walk 8k the popular Streets of Galway on August 11 to help provide its much-needed services to victims of sexual assault.
Executive director Cathy Connolly says the centre has seen its waiting lists grow in recent months as a result of women and men being inspired by social media campaigns to find the courage to seek help.
"It is crucial these clients are able to access our services at the time when they have decided to seek support, rather than months down the line," she says.
"Alongside psychotherapy services, we also work towards ending societal tolerance of sexual intimidation and abuse, through advocacy and education programmes in local schools. These programmes aim to address the increasing normalisation of inappropriate sexualisation and objectification of young women and men."
Volunteer counselling training course
The centre is also starting a volunteer counselling training course in September for qualified counsellors who would like to receive specialised training in the area of sexual trauma and abuse. It is also hosting its second annual ladies' lunch which will be hosted in Lime, Spanish Arch, on Friday September14
The Galway Rape Crisis Centre has been helping to heal survivors of sexual trauma and abuse since it opened its doors in Galway in 1984.
"The centre has a vision that we might live in a fair and equal society, where everyone has the right to live free from sexual abuse and violence," Cathy Connolly says.
" Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly towards this vision and are determined and dedicated in providing a professional, caring and confidential support service to all members of our community, where required."
