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The Journal
29-05-2025
- The Journal
Calls to the National Rape Crisis Helpline exceed 20,000 for the first time
CALLS TO THE National Rape Crisis Helpline broke the 20,000 mark for the first time last year. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) operates the 24-hour helpline to support anyone impacted by sexual violence in any part of the country. Contacts with the helpline increased by over 20% last year when compared to 2023, to reach a record-high of 22,700. The figures are contains in the DRCC's annual report for 2024, which will be published later. Chief Executive of the DRCC, Rachel Morrogh, remarked that there is 'likely a number of drivers behind the increased demand for our 24-hour listening service'. She said this includes 'survivors feeling increasingly confident about where to find non-judgmental support, but also the reality that sexual violence is still an insidious and common occurrence in modern Ireland'. 'Although we are encouraged by the marked rise in the number of survivors contacting us,' said Morrogh, 'we know that this is a fraction of the thousands of people living with trauma who have not yet sought support. 'Our message to them today is that they are not invisible to us, that they deserve support, and that when they feel ready to talk, we are ready to listen.' However, the sharpest increase in activity across the DRCC's frontline supports was within its therapy service. DRCC's counsellors held almost 6,000 counselling sessions with survivors, an increase of 57% compared to 2023. Advertisement Some 637 men and women were also supported by specialised counselling. The number of therapy clients meanwhile increased by 28%, or 140 people. Morrogh also remarked that the Central Statistics Office has reported that 'tiny numbers of people who have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime have reported it to the Gardai'. 'There are many reasons for this, ranging from a fear of not being believed or thinking they are in some way to blame or that what happened was not serious enough,' said Morrogh. The DRCC also had 287 days of supporting clients for court and other hearings, and Morrogh said the organisation is 'honoured to support our clients through the justice system, which can be a very difficult process for many'. 'Every time there is a conviction and sentence for a sexual offence, we know it is felt as a victory for those who will never have their day in court or have the validation and catharsis of a guilty verdict,' said Morrogh. Speaking ahead of the launch of the 2024 report, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan noted that sexual violence is a crime that has historically been underreported. 'This is something I am committed to addressing, and something that is changing as complainants become more confident in our justice system,' said O'Callaghan. DRCC operates the National 24-hour Helpline 1800 778888 to support anyone affected by sexual violence in any part of the country. A webchat support service is available online at from Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm. A Helpline Interpreting Service is available for those who do not speak English – more at Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Yellow Springs woman preparing to swim English Channel
YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (WDTN) — A Yellow Springs woman is getting ready to do something that fewer than 2,000 people have ever done successfully. Amy Wamsley is preparing to swim across the English Channel, and she's doing it right before her 50th birthday. 'When I was 12 years old, I decided I was going to swim it before I turned 50,' says Amy. 'It's important to me to live this goal.' Amy has been in England since about mid-May to practice in the channel and get acclimated to the water. 'I feel very connected to water. So, I like to swim because I feel connected to water,' states Amy. 'I feel very calm there. I like being in my own headspace. So it's meditative, and I like the challenge.' Her window to swim is based on the tide. It opens May 30th and runs until June 10th. 'You have what's called a pilot, which is your boat captain, and they watch the current and then they call you. You get about 10 to 12 hours' notice in that window to get in the water. So, you have to be prepared at all times in case they call,' describes Amy. For more than a year, she's been training in pools and other bodies of water. 'I've swam at Central State. I've swam here at the Springfield Y, different locations. But ultimately, I like to be outside,' admits Amy. 'I swim at Caesar's Creek, Cohen Lake, Buck Creek, Michigan, Lake Michigan, near Chicago. I do that a lot, actually. This past summer, Lake Erie. And then I go out to California. So, I swim in the San Francisco Bay and La Hoya Cove,' says Amy. 'I do swim in the San Francisco Bay because it's the closest water to the English Channel based off of how the currents change. So I've been swimming there a lot.' Last year, Amy hired a coach to help her turn her childhood dream into a reality. 'It's not easy. What I'm doing is not easy. It is. It is hard. And so, it's nice to challenge myself and see how far I can push myself and where I can go. And almost every time I'm out in San Francisco, I go farther, I swim stronger. I can just tell that I am stronger than I ever thought I was,' says Amy. She's previously taken on the waters of Alcatraz, areas around Catalina, and the San Francisco Bay. Swimming for hours every week, she expects this roughly 20.5-mile swim to take her around 15 to 20 hours. 'I'm already further along than I ever thought I'd be. I'm already going to put my feet in the English Channel. So, if I'm already going to put my feet in the English Channel, I've already won. I've already gotten further than most people ever get. And so, getting to France, it's going to be so hard. But I know I can do it. I have full faith that I can get there,' says Amy. 'In the end, if you want it, you can do it.' Amy says there are risks and obstacles involved like motion sickness, hypothermia, and stinging jellyfish. She has an entire crew with her to help keep her safe and monitor her health while she's in the water. Following her swim, she's already making plans for her next challenge. 'I think once I conquer the English Channel, I will be looking at Catalina,' states Amy. To track her journey, click here. Amy also started a nonprofit called Amy's Swim Venture. It focuses on water conservation, as well as women empowerment concerning body image and aging. To learn more, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
