Rape crisis service opens in Tallaght

A rise in the number of sexual assaults has led the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) to expand its counselling services to Tallaght.

The DRCC says the number of people accompanied by its volunteers to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at the Rotunda hospital doubled between 2001 and 2006.

"For a long time the DRCC has been aware that a service was needed to respond to the needs of west Dublin, Wicklow and parts of Kildare," the centre said.

The Tallaght service, which is support by Tallaght hospital, will be manned by two therapists, and appointments can be made through a 24-hour helpline on 1800 778888.

With the help of Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Brian Lenihan, the DRCC today unveiled a campaign to raise awareness of the crimes of rape and sexual abuse.

As part of the campaign, the centre plans to run a series of TV adverts and outdoor posters.

"One of the important messages of this campaign is that whatever the trauma, recovery is possible, and with the help that is available you can come through this, " said DRCC chief executive Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop.

The centre has outreach services in Coolock and Dochas women's prison that serve north Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Monaghan and Cavan areas.