your questions answered

If I want to see a counsellor in a Rape Crisis Centre does the abuse have to be reported to the Gardai or any of the authorities?

No. Just because you come to see a counsellor doesn't mean you have to report to anyone else.But if that's the road you choose to go down then we as counsellors will support you by going with you to the Garda station and being available to you right through any court hearing that might follow.

What happens if I want to report?

Your counsellor will explain the procedure to you, can help you make an appointment with the Gardai and will accompany you for support if you wish.

How long will I be in counselling?

As long as it takes for you to feel able to manage your life better. This may be six sessions or it may be sixty. People will usually have weekly sessions for some time, and begin to spread out the time between sessions as they become stronger and better able to manage on their own. Each session lasts an hour.

Will I see the same counsellor all the time?

Yes. The first time you come to the Centre, however, you will be met by a particular counsellor whose job it is to explain about how we work and following that introductory session you will be contacted by the counsellor who will work with you for as long as you may need.

Is there any help for my partner/family/friends who may be upset about what I have disclosed to them?

A disclosure of sexual violence can be quite a shock for those closest to you and they may not know how best to help you. We have a counsellor available to talk this through with them either on the helpline or face to face.

Is the service confidential?

Yes. If you don't wish to give us your full name that's all right, just as long as we have a mobile/land line number for contact with you. We will always check with you first if it's ok to leave a message.There are certain areas in which we cannot guarantee complete confidentiality to you and these will be explained to you by the counsellor who meets you first.