MINISTER Norma Foley launched the Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre (KRSAC) Strategic Plan on Friday.
This plan will inform the work of the Centre going forward for the next five years. Speaking at the launch Minister Foley stated that “we are indebted to the professionalism, expertise and support provided by all those involved in the Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre. I wish them well as we launch their new five year strategy.”
The Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre aims to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of all types of sexual violence.
Continued below…
For over 32 years, their work has been synonymous with providing counselling and support services to all survivors who have experienced any type of sexual violence.
Services include a freephone helpline, one-to-one professional counselling, garda and court accompaniment, services for families impacted by the abuse, training and awareness programmes.
Policy interventions and public awareness campaigns to prevent sexual violence have always been at the core of our work.
The Centre has successfully established itself as providing a vital and much-needed service within the community.
To continue providing client-focused services, the Board and staff recognised the importance of focused strategic planning to be able to face the challenges provided by an ever-increasing demand for its service.
This Strategy and Action Plan ( 2024-2028) reflects a commitment to enhancing their ability to confront and address sexual violence and abuse.
Speaking at the launch Centre Manager Vera O’Leary said; “There are several issues that have led to the necessity of developing a comprehensive Strategic Plan including the increasing societal change in Kerry, meaning the organisation needs to adapt its services to meet the extra requirements of current and potential clients. The Strategy outlines the work of the organisation over the next five years. The plan outlines a set of strategic themes and aims agreed by consensus and geared at achieving the long- term vision for the development of the Centre”
Chairperson of the board of directors Brid McElligott said; “In line with good governance, the KRSAC board undertook the strategic planning process to ensure any future developments, including the addition of extra services are structured correctly. This strategic plan offers ambitious goals, the deliverables of which are required to ensure that the Centre continues to provide a client focused range of services. We believe that the strategy will drive forward the work to reduce sexual violence, provide a focus for the future development of the centre, and support new and innovative prevention efforts. We look forward to working with our many partners in implementing the strategy and achieving these aims. We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing financial support of Cuan, the new Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) Agency under the auspices of the Department of Justice and we look forward to working with this agency closely to ensure we deliver the goals set out in our plan.”
At the launch Ms. O’Leary and the Chair of the Board Brid McElligott thanked all of those who participated in the strategic planning process and acknowledged the excellence and commitment of the team who work and volunteer at the Centre.