The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s online e-health initiative aims to remove barriers to accessing support for those who have experienced rape and other forms of sexual violence.

They are currently developing an e-health trauma management programme so that people who are not currently accessing services will have another support option to assist them in their recovery from harm caused by sexual violence. This innovative approach will include an assessment of suitability for the programme by a DRCC therapist, online modules undertaken at the user’s own pace, and telephone support. While there are some online support programmes, this tailored programme for survivors of sexual violence is the first of its kind.

Their target audiences will include people on a wait-list for counselling at a rape crisis centre, those who do not want to attend face-to-face counselling, people who may prefer to access web-based information and support, and those who cannot access services for a range of reasons (including physical disability, culture, geographic location, language). Their ultimate aim is to meet the needs of those who, for a variety of reasons, cannot or will not access existing rape crisis services.