Mullingar, Ireland — A new support and advocacy organization, “Éist – Saying No To Silence,” has been established in the Midlands region to help victims of sexual and gender-based violence reclaim their personal power and navigate the justice system. The group, founded by a trio of women including a rape survivor, a legal advocate, and a psychotherapist, aims to fill a critical gap in local services.
The organization’s co-founder, Hazel Behan, a rape survivor herself, stated, “We want to give people back their personal power after they have experienced the unthinkable.” Ms. Behan was the victim of a violent rape in 2004, a crime for which the main suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, Christian Brueckner, was later acquitted in a German court. This personal experience, along with the recognized lack of resources in the area, motivated Ms. Behan to create the new group.
Addressing a Critical Need
According to the founders, the new organization was formed in response to a clear demand for more support services. While existing organizations like the Rape Crisis Centres in Athlone and Tullamore are “fantastic,” they are also “overworked” and unable to meet the needs of all victims seeking help. “Éist” will focus on providing immediate crisis support and a safe space for survivors to be heard.
The group will offer a wide range of services, including:
- Legal Information: Providing guidance to victims on navigating the complex legal and police processes, which can be overwhelming for those who have experienced trauma.
- Crisis Therapy and Wellbeing Support: Offering immediate therapeutic and emotional support to help survivors cope with the aftermath of their trauma.
- Community Engagement and Education: Launching an educational program for schools, businesses, and other organizations to provide training on consent and equality. This initiative, as Ms. Behan explains, aims to have a “ripple effect” in the wider community by fostering a better understanding of social norms.
Advocating for Legislative Change
Beyond direct support, “Éist” plans to become a vocal advocate for systemic change on behalf of victims and survivors. Co-founder Sandra Daly highlighted a key area of focus: the use of victims’ private counseling notes as evidence in court cases. Survivors have been pushing for a ban on this practice, which many feel is a violation of their safety and privacy.
Ms. Daly, along with psychotherapist and co-founder Bairbre Kelly, believes this practice is a significant barrier to justice. “What a survivor needs in those very early days is a place of safety, a place where they can talk,” Ms. Kelly said, emphasizing that the idea of their therapeutic notes being used against them is “just so wrong.” The group intends to lobby the Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan, to address this and other legislative issues to ensure victims’ rights are better protected.
