SRCC on the importance of support services for survivors in rural areas like Leitrim

Accessing supports anywhere in the country can feel daunting, whether it’s mental health counselling, sexual assault supports, or even a doctor’s visit. For women in rural areas, it can feel even more difficult. 

Sligo Rape Crisis Centre (SRCC) is striving to create a new atmosphere where supports can be accessed easily and discreetly, with as little stress as possible for those who need them.

SRCC provides services to people who have been affected by sexual violence at any stage of their life. The centre has recently expanded its outreach services, opening a new clinic in Carrick-on-Shannon, which offers counselling for survivors and their loved ones, Monday to Friday.

CEO of SRCC, Danielle Neely, understands the challenges that rural communities face when accessing help. “Coming from a rural community in Ireland, I know that they are in need of support. I think there’s nuances within the rural community such as keeping anonymity which can be quite difficult, when everyone knows everyone and sees everything,” Ms Neely said.

She explained that feedback from survivors highlights a fear of seeking support due to concerns about being seen or questioned. To address this, SRCC ensures confidentiality by using buildings that house multiple businesses, so survivors could be attending their service, or any number of others.

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Demand for sexual violence supports has continued to grow year on year, which is one reason the new outreach clinic in Carrick-on-Shannon opened. “It's growing yearly. I’ve seen a big demand on our service currently and I suppose that’s down to increased public awareness, definitely driven by media coverage. It has empowered more survivors to come forward, with many seeking to process and heal from historic trauma as well as recent trauma,” explained Ms Neely.

In 2024, SRCC supported 277 clients, 132 of whom were new referrals, and facilitated 1,834 one-to-one sessions. As of August this year, the centre has already seen 184 clients, including 94 new referrals, and held 1,431 sessions. They expect these numbers to surpass last year’s by year end.

“The more people come forward, the more it’s in the media, the more it’s talked about, people are finding there’s more support out there,” Ms Neely said.

Her hope for the Carrick-on-Shannon outreach centre is that it will encourage more survivors and their loved ones to feel safe enough to come forward. “It shows the importance of centres to be accessible as possible no matter where you live in Ireland. Everyone deserves the opportunity for support and in rural areas we must think about the access to support.”

Building more outreach services is part of SRCC’s strategic plan. The centre also receives referrals from neighbouring counties, as it may be easier for someone in South Donegal or North Leitrim to travel to Sligo. 

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Alongside direct support, education and community engagement remain a core part of SRCC’s mission. They deliver educational consent workshops for Transition Year students, and with the new centre in Leitrim, they can now reach rural schools with this vital programme.

“One of our core missions is community engagement, working towards the prevention of sexual violence in communities and I think having that outreach is building on the work that we’ve already done and we’re really excited to engage with the Leitrim community in a meaningful way,” Ms Neely added.

SRCC will host a quiz night fundraiser on October 2 in the Blue Lagoon, Sligo, to raise funds for their vital and life-changing services. Tickets are available on Eventbrite here

As conversations around sexual violence continue to shift and awareness grows, the value of SRCC’s work becomes even more evident. 

While it is heartbreaking that so many need these supports, it is vital that they exist. Centres like SRCC strive to ensure no survivor is ever left standing alone, unsure of where to turn, and today, the times are finally more in their favour.

SRCC can be contacted via freephone at 1800 750 780 or by email at info@srcc.ie

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