Rape centre witnesses hike in sexual violence cases

MORE survivors of sexual violence than ever have been turning to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre in Waterford, desperate for help. Among them are a growing number of foreign nationals.

Figures from the service released yesterday show that there has been a 14% increase in numbers looking for help. The Waterford centre, 21 years in service, is one of the country’s longest-established.

Waterford centre manager Sheila Vereker said they would love to see a situation in the future where they were no longer needed.

“Our aim is, of course, the elimination of all forms of sexual violence in our society. Sadly however, in light of our ‘05 statistics where we saw a 14% increase in recent rapes, this is unlikely to be achieved in my lifetime.

“We are unsure whether this dramatic increase in figures is due to an upsurge in incidents of rape, or whether the existence of the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit in Waterford Regional Hospital has encouraged more victims to come forward.”

The unit is a “one-stop-shop” offering victims a sensitive and holistic service, provided by a team comprising of GP, garda, nurse and an altruistic volunteer from the WRSAC.

Another significant statistic for ‘05 related to the fact that 6% of those attending the centre were foreign nationals. “Whilst we are pleased to be of assistance, we are presented with a considerable challenge in terms of cultural and language differences,” said Ms Vereker.

When the centre opened in 1984 the topic of sexual violence was taboo — survivors suffered in silence. By means of GRACE, an exhibition of paintings from survivors of sexual violence, their tremendous courage was publicly acknowledged.

“We will of course, continue to evolve and change to meet survivors’ needs, but we remain hopeful that in 21 years time, services such as ours will no longer be needed,” added Ms Vereker.