Mayo Rape Crisis Centre reports 6.25% rise in people accessing services
Mayo Rape Crisis Centre has reported a 6.25% increase in new clients accessing its service as well as a 10% rise in appointments provided.
The organisation's annual report for 2024 reflected 'another year of growth, resilience and commitment to survivors of sexual violence in our community'.
The centre marked 30 years of service last year, a milestone that highlights both the progress made and the continuing need for our work.
Stated Shauna Jackson, director of services, outlined: "Over the past year, we supported more people than ever with a renewed dedication to ensuring no one has to face sexual violence alone."
In her report, she stated: "While statistics form an important part of our annual report, they can never fully convey the depth of what happens within our service.
"Behind every number is a person, a story, and a journey of healing.
"Our work is, and will always remain, centred on the needs of the clients who show immense courage in reaching out to us.
"As Mayo Rape Crisis Centre moves forward beyond our 30th year, we carry with us a legacy of resilience, compassion, and commitment to all survivors of sexual violence.
"Our report comes at a particularly fitting moment, as Cuan has just launched its Always Here campaign, reinforcing the message that survivors will be listened to, believed, and supported.
"This coincides with recent CSO findings showing that almost half of those affected by sexual violence do not tell anyone; a stark reminder of why our work remains so vital."
Caroline Barry, chairperson, stated: "The services provided by Mayo Rape Crisis Centre are vital and progressive.
"Mayo Rape Crisis Centre is fortunate to have excellent staff and volunteers, who work so hard to prove a quality service to those who need it, whilst at all times showing empathy and understanding to the people who are brave enough to access the service.
"The work itself is challenging and is becoming more challenging due to changes in the structure of our society.
"Lately it may seem as though sexual violence has increased exponentially in recent years.
"Highlighting the work of organisations like Mayo Rape Crisis Centre encourages people who have suffered sexual violence to come forward to seek professional help.
"We have had some large changes within the organisation. It was with regret that our director of services Loretta Brosnan McDonagh made the decision to retire from her role.
"In addition to being our director of services for many years, Loretta was involved in Mayo Rape Crisis Centre for many years previously and was immensely committed to its work.
"She was a tremendous representative of the service and always found a way to advocate for the work of Mayo Rape Crisis Centre at the highest level.
"I and the board wish Loretta the very best going forward in whatever new venture she partakes in, as we have no doubt she will find a new project.
"With the news that Loretta was to leave us, we undertook the task of finding a new director of services.
"After a thorough recruitment process, we are delighted to welcome Shauna Jackson as the new director of services.
"Not only does Shauna have excellent experience and skills that we believe will greatly complement the service, she had a previous role with Mayo Rape Crisis Centre as a volunteer.
"So it’s an extra bonus to bring her into the fold knowing that she already has a deep understanding of the service we provide.
"Mayo Rape Crisis Centre has engaged with our new funders Cuan in recent months, which has been an adjustment for all involved. We are heartened by the interactions to date.
"There are opportunities to access funding that we are working very hard to secure, to allow us continue to develop.
"In conjunction with staff, we have identified areas where extra resources are needed. It is our objective to ensure our services are available to as broad a spectrum of society as possible.
"We are keen to ensure that the service is truly a countywide service and that we are able to reach out to all corners of Mayo.
"I believe that Mayo Rape Crisis Centre is a great position going forward and we wish to highlight to all the victims of sexual violence and their families, that we are available to provide a confidential professional and understanding service to any victim."