This year sees the 10th anniversary of the Rape
Crisis Midwest annual kayak event. For the past 10 years we have been
delivering the event in association with our partners in Limerick Kayak
Academy.
The event is not only an opportunity for participants to raise funds on behalf
of Rape Crisis Midwest but is an opportunity to spend the day with a group of
likeminded people that recognize the importance of services such as Rape Crisis
Midwest.
The services provided to survivors of sexual violence by Rape Crisis Midwest
aim to support each person on their healing journey - and as with any journey
there are ebbs and flows - much like the journey down the Shannon River on the
day of the event.
Rape Crisis Midwest (RCM) works for the protection of all people from all forms of sexual violence and abuse. It primarily supports survivors of sexual abuse and violence through free, confidential support and counselling, working from an intersectional feminist framework. RCM deliver services utilising a survivor-centered and trauma-informed model. RCM operates from the knowledge that survivors have the capacity to grow and heal and that they are the experts in what they need. Survivor identified indicators of recovery and healing inform the way in which services are delivered and developed. A trauma-informed model means services are offered with the understanding that a survivor’s reactions are a normal response to trauma. RCM believes that responding to sexual violence in our society and holding perpetrators to account starts with supporting survivors in ways that are respectful of their dignity, healing and choices.