Community Projects and Events

The Centre has a high profile in Waterford City and County. The Manager participates in local radio interviews and contributes to local and national newspapers, particularly on issues such as the striking down of the law on statutory rape, sentencing guidelines, etc.

We believe it is vital that members of the public are given accurate, comprehensive information on the issues of sexual violence, and the availability of our service.  Accordingly, we see awareness raising as second only to the provision of counselling in terms of priorities for the Centre.  To this end the Centre is represented on a variety of Boards and Committees throughout the Community, and participates in research, health awareness events, talks in schools & colleges and training with various agencies.

GRACE

In December 2005, the Centre marked 21 years of existence by staging GRACE, a multidisciplinary arts project.   It celebrated the enormous courage of survivors of sexual violence, the vision and determination of the founding members and the commitment of all who have worked in the Centre through the years – either as much-valued volunteers or paid staff.

The GRACE Project was a very public and visible series of artistic and musical celebrations, held in a variety of locations throughout the City.  By highlighting the existence of the Centre, the Project also acted as a powerful awareness-raising event – reaching out to the many silent survivors in the community who still carry within them the painful secret of their abuse.

Martin Quigley was one of the artists who participated in GRACE.  He has kindly given us the use of some of his images (copyright retained) for this website and we thank him sincerely.  His work is available to view/buy at www.artvitae.com.

H O P E  Exhibition 

In 2009 – Waterford Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (formerly Waterford Rape Crisis Centre) celebrates 25 years of service to our community.

To celebrate this landmark we want to honour the courage and tenacity of survivors who have used or are currently using our service.

We have chosen HOPE as the theme for this event.

HOPE  brings you through our door on your quest for healing.

HOPE drives us in many ways:
• hope for your recovery
• for a society free from all forms of violence
• that eventually services such as ours will no longer be needed.

To this end, we invite you all to submit a piece that describes your experience with us on your road to recovery.

This can take the form of a poem, short story, photograph, drawing or any other form that suits.  Your contribution will not be identified unless that is your wish.  You do not have to give any details of your abuse.  We hope to display the collection of your work in a suitable venue, yet to be finalized.

We celebrate our 25 years in existence by celebrating your strength, endurance and capacity to heal.

Closing date for Contributions: 31st May 2009.  Please contact the Centre for further details.

© Martin Quigley