Sir, – One of the features of any rape crisis centre in Ireland is that each of them provides confidential, safe, non-judgmental spaces and supports for survivors of sexual violence to heal and regain the confidence, strength and capacity to cope that has been battered and damaged by that violence. A report in The Irish Times (“Garda presence in rape crisis centres may encourage reporting”, News, December 16th) seems to have raised questions in some people’s minds that gardaí might be working out of rape crisis centres. This is also an opportunity to remind people that the National 24-Hour Helpline, run out of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, at 1800 77 88 88, is available to anyone concerned or uneasy. We wish all survivors of sexual violence peace and ease this Christmas. – Yours, etc,NOELINE BLACKWELL,Chief Executive,Dublin Rape Crisis Centre,CATHY CONNOLLY;Executive Director,Galway Rape Crisis Centre;DAVID MADDEN,Chief Executive,Sligo Rape Crisis Centre;MARY CRILLY,Sexual ViolenceCentre, Cork;CLARE WILLIAMS,Manager,Wexford RapeCrisis Centre.

Source: The Irish Times December 23, 2020 00:11 UTC