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At the opening of the dedicated support room in Tralee Courthouse were from left: Sergent Eileen O’Sullivan, Vera O’Leary (Manager Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre), Garda Aidan O’Mahony, Deborah Courtney, Nuala Rigney (Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre) and Dr Mary McCaffrey (The Scotia Clinic). Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
A DEDICATED support room in the Tralee Courthouse for witnesses and their supporters attending court has been opened.
The support room was officially opened by Dr. Mary Mc Caffrey on Tuesday evening, with local Councillors, members of the Gardai and court services along with representatives from Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre in attendance.
This facility, which will provide a comfortable safe space for the clients of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, will also be used by ADAPT Kerry Women’s Refuge, Tralee Women’s Resource Centre & Federation of Victim Assistance.
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Vera O’Leary, Director of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre outlined that as service providers they are constantly evaluating service provision whilst engaging with survivors on how service levels can be augmented.
“The creation of the support room is one need which was identified through client consultation,” said Ms O’Leary.
“We have accompanied many survivors to court and are only too aware of the impact of the victim that this experience can have,” she said.
One of those victims is Deborah Courtney who spoke of the importance of the room at the opening.
In 2013, the West Kerry woman, had to endure her case in close proximity to her abuser. The case eventually went to the Central Criminal Court in Dublin which had adequate facilities.
A representative from Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre always accompanies the survivor to the court in advance of their actual court date.
“Survivors of sexual violence will be unfamiliar with the courts and attending as a witness can be a daunting experience. Being in close proximity with the accused and not having a dedicated waiting space can add to that trauma,” said Ms O’Leary.
“This pre-visit to the court is often very helpful since it may make the survivor feel more comfortable in the court surroundings and with this new dedicated space we hope that we can ensure that the survivor feels more supported as part of this difficult and challenging experience.”
Ms O’Leary expressed thanks to Eamonn Kiely, Regional Manager, and the staff of the Courts Services for allowing the Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre to renovate the space.
“This project would not have been possible without the generosity of so many local businesses and individuals. The Centre did not have the funds to cover the costs involved and it was important to us to ensure that the room was decorated to a high standard. The generosity by the donors involved sends a clear message of support and compassion to survivors of sexual violence,” she said.
