Galway Rape Crisis Centre seeks to support anyone and everyone who has experienced sexual violence and wants their help. Read more to find out about their services.

Sexual violence does not discriminate and impacts every member of our community in some way. Because of this, we see ourselves very much as a community organisation, and the support we offer is available to each and every member of our community. This, of course, includes members of the LGBTQ+ community.

We understand how difficult it is for anyone to pick up the phone and call us, or to walk through our doors and ask for help. No one finds this easy. We also understand that there are added barriers to accessing our service for those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. We know that you may have had negative experiences with support services in the past, and might expect to feel judged, shamed or misunderstood. We know that in a society that often disregards, attacks and silences you, it can feel impossible to find your voice.

We also understand that people in the queer community disproportionately experience sexual violence and harassment in comparison to cis-het people and might be less likely to seek support. We want to change this.

Over the past 2.5 years, our Clinical Director, Psychological Support Team Manager and our Clinical Team have been striving to be more available to, and understanding of, the LGBTQ+ community, their needs, and their experience of Sexual Violence and Harassment.

 

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We have built strong links with AMACH Galway and The Galway Community Pride Committee. This has included co-organising and facilitating the drop-in hub during Pride week over the last two years and facilitating de-briefing sessions for community members to discuss and process their experiences with sexual violence and harassment as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

We have sat with and listened to community members describe their experiences, what stopped them from seeking support, what might have eventually made this possible, and what they needed when they got there. We listened and intend to keep listening.

 

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You can reach out to us at Galway Rape Crisis Centre by calling our helpline at 1800355355. The Helpline is staffed by therapists who will listen, answer questions and guide you through the process of getting here. You don’t have to be referred by another professional. We prefer to speak to you directly so we can better understand and meet your needs.

We provide counselling for any individual aged 14 years and over, though we do need consent from a legal guardian to work with anyone under 18 years. This therapy is client-centred, which means that you are in charge of how it goes. Your therapist will work with you in figuring out what you might need, and how long you need to attend for as you go along.

We also offer support sessions to the loved ones of people who have been victimised, which run alongside but are separate from the ongoing therapy. For existing clients, we also offer a legal information clinic. And we have a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers who provide Psychological Support at the SATU, in court, or if someone wanted to speak to Gardaí.

 

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We are moving to a new home in the Claddagh in Spring of ’25, which has been designed and built specifically to meet the needs of our clients. We are delighted to be moving to such a central location at the heart of the community. We are passionate about creating a safe space for our clients where they can feel seen and heard, and we believe our new location speaks to the community of Galway, also recognising this for all of our community members who have been impacted by sexual violence.

If you or a loved one feels they need, or might need our support, please contact us on 1800355355. Or if you’d like to hear more about our volunteering, please email [email protected]. For more info, visit our website here.