A safe space for survivors of sexual abuse

New building will allow for expansion of services

GALWAY Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC) has officially opened the doors to its permanent home in The Claddagh, Galway after four decades of service to the community.

The new building is a milestone for GRCC which was founded in 1984 and provides free and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence and abuse across Galway and the western region.

The move to a permanent home represents not only stability for the organisation but also a place of safety and dignity for all who need its services.

“This building stands as a testament to hope, courage and to community. It is more than bricks and mortar, it is a symbol of healing and of a society that refuses to turn away,” stated Cathy Connolly, Executive Director of GRCC.

The new building has been built by a combination of public funding, private donations, pro bono work and community support and will allow the GRCC to continue to expand its counselling services, outreach programmes and education initiatives.

Designed to provide warmth, privacy and a sense of calm, the building includes counselling rooms, group spaces, and areas for training and education.

Attending the opening Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan acknowledged the essential work of GRCC and the importance of ensuring survivors have a safe and supportive place to turn to.

“Sexual violence remains a pervasive issue, affecting thousands across the country, and one of the key objectives in our ‘Zero Tolerance’ strategy is to encourage victims and survivors to come forward, to access support and ultimately to report the crimes that are being committed against them,” said Minister O’Callaghan.