Calls to rape helpline rise as budget cuts extend waiting lists

CALLS to a rape crisis helpline rose by almost a fifth last year as it was forced to cut its budget by 20%.

Galway Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC) heard from 621 people in 2010, up from 518 the previous year, many who have waited decades before coming forward for help.

Figures also showed there was almost one rape a week in the region, with staff supporting 50 victims of sexual assault. Some 40% were teenagers.

Aoibheann McCann, executive director, revealed that the number has almost doubled so far this year, but said budget cuts have led to longer waiting lists for one to one counselling.

“We tried to make cutbacks that would lessen the impact on clients including pay cuts and non-replacement of staff but ultimately clients were hit, with less counselling available,” said Ms McCann.

GRCC’s expenditure was cut by more than €80,000 due to 10% drop in state funding and another 10% fall in fundraising revenue.

A total of 33 people are currently waiting to see a counsellor – some who have been on a list for more than six months.

Figures also showed there was a 7% fall in the amount of counselling sessions available — from 2,609 in 2009 to 2,422 last year.

The percentage of men using the service rose from 12% to 14%.

The number of people aged in their 50s also jumped, with many having memories of childhood sex abuse triggered by high-profile court cases or clerical abuse reports.

Ms McCann said many believed they had been coping with child abuse and had put it behind them.

“They may not have been victims of institutional abuse but the reports and media coverage triggered something,” Ms McCann said.

“Abuse was being talked about in a more realistic way and there is a culture of belief.

“You often find they did tell someone and were told it wasn’t true and not to talk about it again.

“Now people are out there talking about it. It shows it’s never too late for people to get help.”