The Athlone (Midland ) Rape Crisis Centre service is delighted to announce that they have established a permanent home for the counselling and support of victims of sexual violence in Athlone.
In 2020, the service purchased offices in the Inish Carraig Business Centre, Golden Island, Athlone and are now proud to say that they have a bright, comfortable and welcoming space for clients where they can avail of a confidential service provided by professionally qualified and accredited therapists. Although Athlone is the main centre for the Athlone (Midland ) Rape Crisis Centre, they also offer outreach appointments in Longford, Mullingar and Roscommon.
Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, the Athlone (Midland ) Rape Crisis Centre (AMRCC ) is delighted to welcome clients for face to face counselling sessions with staff adhering to all public health and safety guidelines so as to protect both clients and therapists.
Over the past year AMRCC have been hearing from our clients regarding the additional strain having to adhere to covid restrictions has caused. Some clients who had left the service have returned due to this strain. The necessary public health restrictions during the past two years 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 we isolated socially. Fear of not being believed. Fear of what people might think of them. Fear of breaking up their family.
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 the AMRCC 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 and the AMRCC are glad that people are reaching 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 AMRCC wish to send out a clear message that you are welcome to contact their service even if you just want to talk on the phone. Your mental health and safety are their priority. At the moment AMRCC are able to offer a blend of face to face and phone support and can make a plan that is best suited to your needs.
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 the call. Please remember it could be the first step towards your life free of secrets and fear.
