Press Release: On World Mental Health Day Break the Silence – Make That Call

In 2012 there were 4,046 First Time callers to the National 24 hour Helpline 1 800 77 88 88

Minster Shatter with Drcc’s Ellen O’Malley Dunlop

Mr. Alan Shatter, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, launched the National Awareness Raising Campaign for the 24 Hour Helpline for victims of rape and sexual abuse and their supporters, 1 800 77 88 88. The campaign is supported by Cosc, (The National Office for the prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence).

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) said; “We at the DRCC are delighted for the support we have received from Minister Shatter and from the Cosc office. The Cosc office helped in developing and delivering the campaign this year. In 2012 the National Helpline dealt with 4,046 first time callers who had been victims of rape and sexual abuse. This violence in our society has to stop. The SAVI Report told us that 42% of Irish women and 28% of Irish men experienced some form of sexual abuse in their lifetime.

The National 24 Hour Helpline accounts for approximately 42% of all calls received by RCCs. Today Minister Shatter launched the Outdoor Poster Awareness Raising Campaign for the National 24 Hour Helpline 1 800  77 88 88. The campaign also advertises local RCCs’ helpline numbers as well as the 24 hour helpline.

The DRCC operates the 24 hour National Helpline with the support of its Telephone Counselling Team and a trained, dedicated and much appreciated cohort of 70 volunteers.

If you are a victim of rape or childhood sexual abuse, or you need advice on how to support a friend or family member who has disclosed sexual abuse, reach out for help.  It could be Your Sister, Your Friend, Your Neighbour. You can contact the 24 Hour Helpline 1800 77 88 88 at any time of the day or night and avail of the support and information that you will receive at the end of the line.”

The campaign is being rolled out nationwide with the support of McCannBlu Advertising Agency.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Ellen O’Malley-Dunlop, Chief Executive, DRCC                        01 6614911 / 086 809 9618