The Rape Crisis Midwest writes:

Rape Crisis Midwest was established 32 years ago and is a regional organisation serving Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. We provide a confidential one to one counselling service to both male and female survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse. We see approximately 80 clients a week in the entire Midwest.

Our head office is based at Phoenix House, Punch’s Close, Rosbrien Road, Limerick. We also have services operating in Clare and Tipperary. The Clare service is based at Tracklands Business Park, Clonroadmore, Ennis serving the entire County of Clare. The Tipperary service is based in Silverview, Nenagh, Co Tipperary.

The financial status of the centre is at a critical point. We are part funded by the Child and Family Agency and like many other charities, have experienced significant cut backs over the last number of years. There is no reasonable prospect of meeting our shortfall, estimated to be in the region of €120,000 in the entire Midwest. The current fundraising programme in place will not satisfy that shortfall.

We regrettably have been forced to implement cost saving measures including a decision to temporarily close the Clare and Tipperary service for at least one month and possibly more. In addition, we have had to implement similar measures in Limerick and will only be in a position to offer a skeletal and limited service over the coming months. This is a decision that we have not taken lightly and has come on the back of additional significant cost saving measures over the last number of years.

We are appealing to the public to help fund the centres and to donate to us in a number of ways:

1. Log on to rapecrisis.ie and follow the link to donate – you can donate via your credit or debit card
2. Contact us on 1800 311511 and donate now
3. Get involved by emailing fundraising@rapecrisis.ie or by phoning 1800311511

It is ironic that during difficult economic times, demand for the service in the centres is even greater and we do not wish to have to close our doors to those who are most vulnerable in society. Please assist in helping to save our centre and providing this much-needed service to survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse.

Rape Crisis

Cuts force rape crisis centre to temporarily close (Irish Independent)

Thanks Karl Murray