What Can I Expect from RCM 

Vision: Our vision is of a society where all adults and children are free from sexual violence.

Rape/Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment, no matter when it happens can have a serious effect on your life. Rape or Sexual Assault is one of the most devastating of human experiences. The pain, terror, helplessness and humiliation involved result is sever distress, which can have an impact on every aspect of your life. 

 

Counselling is one way to help the healing process. 

Counselling with Rape Crisis Midwest takes place in a safe and supportive environment where you can begin to make sense of your thoughts, emotions and feelings. It can also help you to find your own strengths, resources and enable you to find the best way forward. We offer non directive, non-judgmental support and counseling. At your own pace, you can look at the impact the abuse has had on you and your life. You have control over what you talk about. RCM offers to support you through counseling within an atmosphere of understanding, respect and trust. 

 

All counselors in the RCM are specially trained to work with survivors of sexual violence. All counselors receive supervision from a qualified supervisor. Supervision is an essential part of good practice for counselors; it ensures competent and accountable practices for the client and provides personal support and continuing professional development to the counselor. The client’s identity is always kept anonymous. 

 

In meeting the needs of survivors, RCM offers a service which is very effective, specialized, experienced, appropriate and accommodating. We have a proven track record. We operate as a voluntary organization and adhere to the philosophy, ethos, principles and traditions of Rape Crisis Centers. 

 

Rape Crisis Midwest is a member of Rape Crisis Network Ireland. 

 

Rape Crisis Midwest Service for people who have undergone forensic medical examination. 

Once you have undergone a Forensic Medical Examination please contact Rape Crisis Midwest. We are open Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Freephone 1800 311511.

 

Your initial appointment will be prioritized; you will be seen as soon as possible after the FME has been done.

 

The initial session(s) with Rape Crisis Midwest will be to provide you with information and support. It is important to know that the trauma of an assault may have long term effects on your life and that in dealing with and examining these issues you have a right to support. In order to break the isolation imposed by the assault, it can be helpful to have contact with others who acknowledge and validate your experience and how it has affected you. 

 

Possible reactions to a recent traumatic experience will be talked over with you, some of these may include:

-Changes in eating/sleeping patterns

-Fear of going outdoors, being home alone, being in the dark or in unfamiliar places.

-Mood swings which may be intense and confusing.

-Emotions such as anger, humiliation, shame, numbness, hopelessness and despair.

-Sense of isolation, withdrawal.

-Impact on close and intimate relationships.

-Loss of trust in other people and the world around you.

-Depression

-Anxiety

-Suicidal Feelings

-Self Harm

Whatever your reactions to the assault are, you will be helped to find your own individual way of coping.  

 

Rape Crisis Midwest will provide assistance with follow on medical appointments, for example we can make the Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) test appointment for you. We can provide Garda liaison work. If required, we will provide accompaniment to the Garda station or it may be possible for RCM to provide a room for meetings. We will provide information on our court accompaniment service and how to access this.  

 

The benefits of ongoing counseling will also be discussed with you. Whether you wish to make this decision now or sometime in the future Rape Crisis Midwest will be there for you, and will provide these services free of charge for Female and Male Survivors age16 years and upward. 

 

Those aged 14-15 will be referred to CARI (Children At Risk in Ireland) or other relevant agencies. Support sessions can be arranged for family members and friends who are also affected by this trauma.