Teenager Booklet

We would like to express our thanks to the Citizens Information Board for funding the publication of this booklet.

Much of the material contained within this booklet has been taken from “ Coping with Sexual Assault; A Guide for Young People” which was published by The Havens, London copyright © October 2008. The Havens provide specialised forensic, medical and aftercare services for women, men and children who have been sexually assaulted or raped. They have three centres based in London. We would like to thank them for granting us permission to use this content.

About the authors Dr. Nicoletta Capuzzo, Lead Clinical Psychologist and Ms Parminder Sidhu, Young Persons Worker, are based at the Haven, St Mary’s Hospital, London, a specialist centre for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted. They offer practical and emotional support to people and their carers.

We would also like to thank Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre for their support and help in setting up the SAYIT Programme here in Donegal.

The SAYIT Programme was developed in response to an identified need for such an awareness programme, two counsellors in the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre designed and developed the SAYIT programme (Safety Awareness Youth Information Training). The programme was devised to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to explore and discuss sexual violence. It aims to raise awareness and provide information.

Prevention /awareness education provides the most effective method by which to change attitudes and, ultimately change behaviours that will stop sexual violence from happening .

Graphic Designer….Theresa Haag

CONTENTS

Donegal Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre

4

Introduction

6

SAYIT Programme

7

The Law

8

Who should I tell?

9

Is everything confidential?

11

Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU)

11

Myths and Facts

12

How do I feel and How do I cope?

16

SMART PLAN

26

Frequently Asked Questions

28

Helplines

30

Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre The Donegal Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre is one of fifteen centres in Ireland dedicated solely to responding to sexual violence in the country. Based in Letterkenny since 1997 with outreach services to Donegal Town, Inishowen and Gaelteacht areas, we provide an unique and expert service to women and men who are victims of rape and sexual violence.

The counselling services provided by the Donegal Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre are facilitated by professionally qualified accredited psychotherapists who have undertaken additional training in order to specialise in the dynamics of sexual violence and abuse.

Our service is confidential and free of charge It is available to anyone who has suffered from sexual abuse or violence.

We provide a safe, therapeutic space for our clients. We facilitate people on a first-come-first-serve basis except in a crisis situation.

We respond to crisis

situation immediately.

Freephone: 1880 44 88 44 Telephone: 074 9128211

4

E-mail: rapecrisis@eircom.net

WE ARE OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY; 9AM TO 5PM Services  Counselling and Support Services  Support / Advocacy  Telephone Helpline  Outreach Services  Court / Garda Accompaniment  Medical and SATU Accompaniment  Training and Education Services  Education and Prevention Service

Mission Statement: Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre offer counselling, support and advice to survivors of rape and sexual abuse in a confidential, safe and friendly environment.

Vision Statement: Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre endeavours to eliminate sexual violence in our society by working in partnership with other agencies, raising awareness through educational programmes and empowering people and communities.

5

Introduction This booklet has been written for young people to increase their awareness of sexual violence. If this happens to you, perhaps you are struggling to cope? Do you think that no-one understands what you have gone through and how it makes you feel? Maybe you think you are losing your mind?... Do you try to do everything possible not to talk or think about what has happened?

In our experience people who understand their reactions after an assault are better at coping and so recover faster. As such the focus of this booklet is on common thoughts, feelings and behaviours following an assault as well as offering practical tips on how to cope. Topics like the law, myths about rape and sexual assault and who you can contact if you have been assaulted are also covered.

Tips to help you use this booklet This booklet might be difficult to use if you‟re coming to terms with being raped or sexually assaulted. You might find that concentrating on it for any length of time is difficult and that some of the things you read are upsetting. To help make you get the most of this booklet, here are a few tips on how to use it.



Reading the whole booklet from beginning to end in one go might be difficult for you right now, so perhaps you could read it in small chunks and for a few minutes at a time.



If there are parts that upset you it is probably because they remind you of what has happened. These feelings are normal and will pass with time.



If there are parts of the booklet that you don‟t understand perhaps you could ask a parent or friend who knows what has happened to you to help you.

6

SAYIT

Safety Awareness Youth Information Training Provides young people with age appropriate information and an opportunity to explore issues relating to sexual violence in a safe environment with experienced facilitators. Sexual Violence is an issue that concerns everybody. Rape and Sexual Assault are seriously under-reported crimes. The secrecy and stigma that surround sexual violence prevent the victim from telling about their experience or looking for support. We are always aware that sexual violence may be an issue for someone in every group that we work with. Bearing this in mind, we reassure participants that personal information is never part of our sessions.

The contents of the session will allow participants to:  Look at effects of sexual violence on victims, family, friends and the wider community  Discuss common myths and attitudes; they prevent victims from telling and they actually support perpetrators!  Examine case studies (fictional) and Audio / DVD recordings  Learn about legal procedure in this area  Identify potentially dangerous people and situations  Explore choices around responsible and risk reducing behaviour  Learn how to give good support  Know where to get help

7

THE LAW

Common Law rape It says that a man commits rape if he has sexual intercourse with a woman who does not consent and, at the time, he either knows that she does not consent or is reckless as to whether or not she consents.

Section 4 rape It involves penetration (however slight) of the anus or mouth by the penis (known as Section 4(a) rape), or penetration (however slight) of the vagina by an object held or manipulated by another person (known as Section 4(b) rape).

Section 4(a) rape can only be committed by a man, against either a man or a woman. Section 4(b) rape can only be committed against a woman, but by either men or women.

Sexual Assault Sexual Assault is a crime that can be committed by both men and women against men or women. Different types of sexual assault include:



Objects or parts of the body (e.g. a finger) being put into someone‟s vagina or anus when that person didn‟t want it to happen.



Someone being touched in a sexual way that makes him or her feel uncomfortable or frightened. This could be through their clothes like bottom pinching.



Someone being made to sexually stimulate themselves using their hands or fingers (known as masturbation) or putting objects into their vagina or anus, when they don‟t want to do it.

Don’t

worry

if

this

sounds

confusing.

The

most

important bit to remember is that being pressurised or forced to have sex when you don’t want to is a crime!

8

WHO SHOULD I TELL? Firstly, it is important you tell someone as soon as possible and not keep it to yourself. Telling someone what has happened means that you can get the support you need. The person you do talk to should be someone that you trust and feel comfortable with. You have a number of choices you can tell: a friend, parent, G.P., school teacher or to the Gardaí.

You can contact the Gardaí by dialling 999 or 112 or by ringing your local Gardaí station. Most Gardaí forces have specially trained Garda officers. You are entitled to ask to speak to a male or female Garda. When you talk to the Gardaí you will need to give them as much information, about the assault, as possible, such as what happened, where and when.

If you know who assaulted you, tell the Gardaí who he is and how you know him.

What you tell the Gardaí will be recorded in writing or on video and might be used as evidence if your case goes to court. The Gardaí understand how distressing it can be to talk about an assault and will take things slowly. An adult that you trust and feel comfortable with can also support you whilst you are talking to the Gardaí. If English is not your first language then the Gardaí will arrange for an interpreter.

If you can‟t face anyone at the moment then there are plenty of helplines who will not only listen but offer you advice on where you can go and get help when you are ready to do so. Telephone numbers for these helplines are at the back of the booklet.

9

10

Is everything confidential?

This depends on who you have told and what you have told them. As a young person you do have the right to confidentiality, but if the professional person you have spoken to is worried about your safety they might need to speak to a doctor, psychologist or a social worker. Before they do this they will discuss this with you so you will have the chance to say how you feel. You can discuss any worries that you might have about this and the person you have spoken to has to take your concerns seriously. Usually when someone does pass on private information about you it is because they are worried about you and want to make sure that you are getting the right support.

What’s a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit?

You might be given the option to go to a sexual assault treatment unit (SATU).

Specialist doctors /nurses will ask you about what happened and then examine your body to try and find evidence of what happened to you. Before you go for the examination, try not to shower, wash your clothes, go to the loo (although this may be difficult) or have a drink. Doing so could get rid of evidence, which might be helpful in a Gardaí investigation.

The most important thing they do at a SATU is to make sure that you are okay.

They will advise you about how to deal with a possible pregnancy, check you for sexually transmitted infections, and sort out treatment if you have caught anything. They can also arrange for you to get support from local services. The Gardaí will talk to you about how a criminal charge can be brought against the person who assaulted you and how they will try and get your case to court.

11

Myths and MYTH: People are usually sexually assaulted by strangers.

FACT: Some 86.6 % of people who commit sexual assaults are known to their victims, with 32.1% being family members or relatives and 34% being acquaintances, friends or neighbours. Rape Crisis Network National Statistics 2009

Myth Fact

IMPACT: 56% of Rape Crisis Centre clients who were sexually abused by a stranger reported the abuse to the GardaĂ­, while only 15% of those who were sexually abused by a relative reported. Rape Crisis Network National Statistics 2009

Myth Fact Myth Fact Myth fact

MYTH: Rape is an act committed by someone who is mentally ill.

FACT: Rapists are men of all ages and from all walks of life. A US study of 646 convicted rapists found that they were no more psychologically disturbed than those who had committed robberies or assaults (Amir, M. (1971) Patterns of forcible Rape. Chicago: University of Chicago Press).

IMPACT: Victims are often not believed because the rapists do not fit the stereotype – they seem such 'normal' or 'decent' people, MYTH: Only attractive girls are raped.

FACT: All women face the possibility of rape. Interviews with rapists confirm that the woman's looks was not important to them.

IMPACT: The mistaken belief that rape is about sexual attraction leads to excuses being made for the rapist. People say that the woman's looks, short skirt or makeup provoked the attack.

12

Facts MYTH: Rape doesn't have to happen. If you resist, you won't get raped.

FACT: All rapists use tactics of intimidation and fear. A common reaction is to freeze. Not fighting back or submitting can be a survival response. The rapist is in control of how he acts, the victim is always reacting to the rapist.

Myth

IMPACT: Survivors blame themselves. If they have no bruises, cuts or injuries to show, they question whether they were really raped. Society and the justice system questions the survivor's actions.

Myth

MYTH: Women often make false accusations of rape.

Myth

FACT: Reporting sexual abuse involves complex, invasive and sometimes traumatic procedures. Women who have been subjected to sexual abuse are often treated with suspicion and disbelief. This makes it unlikely that a woman would make and stick with a false accusation of rape.

IMPACT: Family, friends and acquaintances do not believe the victim, especially if they know the rapist. They suspect the victim wants revenge or regrets what she or he did. As a result, victims do not report or proceed with prosecutions. This reinforces others in the belief that the victim lied in the first place.

Fact

Fact

Fact Myth fact

13

MYTH: Rape is a well reported crime.

FACT: Only 10% to 20% of cases are reported to the police. In the Rape Crisis Network National Statistics 2009, just under 18% of survivors reported the sexual violence to the Gardaí. Fear of not being believed, of hurting loved ones (for example, if the rapist is a family member), or fear of the attacker, can cause a survivor not to report. Also, many victims simply try to forget it ever happened.

IMPACT: Low reporting leads to a denial of the scale of the problem in our society and rapists continue to get away with it in huge numbers.

MYTH: Sexual violence only happens to an unfortunate few.

FACT: Irish research has found that one in five adult women and one in 10 adult men experience sexual violence. (The SAVI Report, Prof. Hannah Magee et al, Royal College of Surgeons, Liffey Press, 2002) IMPACT: Denying the scale of the problem isolates the victim and empowers the perpetrator.

MYTH: Child sexual abuse is a rare occurrence.

FACT: Irish research in 2002 found that over 20% of Irish women and 16% of Irish men had experienced contact sexual abuse in childhood. Another 10% of women and 7% of men had experienced non-contact abuse.

(The SAVI Report, McGee et al., Liffey Press, 2002).

IMPACT: Survivors, feeling that what happened to them is rare and therefore „shameful‟ or on the other hand not „bad enough‟, live in silence, do not disclose and do not seek support or help.

14

MYTH: Most children are abused by strangers.

FACT: Some 93.8% of survivors, who attended a Rape Crisis Centre in 2008 following childhood abuse, reported they had known the abuser. In 50.8% of cases, the abuser was a family member or relative, and in 34% of cases the abuser was an acquaintance, friend or neighbour. Rape Crisis Network National Statistics 2008

IMPACT: Survivors who knew the abusers, are the least likely to tell anyone and to seek support and help.

MYTH: Boys are not sexually abused.

FACT: In 2008, 15.2% of Rape Crisis Centre clients were male. The SAVI Report found that 60% of young men who had experienced child sexual abuse had never told anyone before telling the researcher.

(The SAVI Report, McGee et al.,

Liffey Press, 2002).

IMPACT: Men and boys find it particularly hard to ask for help and abusers continue to get away with it.

Myth Fact Myth Fact Myth Fact Myth fact 15

How do I feel and How do I cope?

Being assaulted is often very frightening and it is not surprising that most people feel upset and find it difficult to cope. If you have been assaulted, you might notice a number of changes in how you think, feel and behave.

These changes are very normal and for many people they only last a couple of weeks. This section will help you understand the most common reactions experienced after an assault and will give you practical tips on how to cope.

Traumatic stress reactions Anyone can be involved in a traumatic experience. Examples of traumatic experiences are: train, plane or car crashes (man-made disasters); earthquakes, floods or volcano eruptions (natural disasters); stabbings, shootings, bombings, war, rape and sexual assault (acts of violence). These events are frightening and therefore it‟s normal for most people to be upset by them. How people feel, think and behave afterwards are often called „traumatic stress reactions‟.

You might find that your mind keeps replaying what happened, a bit like a DVD that you can‟t stop. This is because your brain is trying to make sense of what happened. You may find that:  You can‟t stop upsetting thoughts or images popping up in your head  At times it feels like the attack is happening all over again  You have bad dreams

16

 You become very frightened or upset by things that remind you of what happened

35

COPING WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT: You might find that you try and push these thoughts and images away as they are upsetting. In the short term it might be helpful but after a while the number of thoughts and images you have will increase! These problems are often caused by something that has reminded you of the assault. It could be something you have seen (a person who looks like the one who attacked you, going by the place where the assault took place or watching a TV programme about rape), a sound, a smell, being touched in a particular way or being made to talk about what happened. This can be very upsetting so you might try and deal with it by keeping out of the way of any person, place or thing that might be a reminder of what happened.

When we are faced with danger, our bodies pump out adrenaline (a chemical in your body) to help us get the extra energy we need to survive. This „red alert‟ system helps us to run away, fight or freeze (a bit like rabbit when it comes face to face with the headlights of a car). After an assault, sometimes this system gets stuck, and so messages are constantly sent to our brain to tell us that everything is dangerous even when this is not true. This can cause us to over-react to everything. You might find that:

  

You constantly feel that you are in danger

 

You feel angry or irritable with friends and family

Feel „jumpy‟ and „on edge‟ It‟s difficult to sleep at night because of all the thoughts and images in your head You can‟t concentrate on anything

17

Dealing with upsetting images in your head Sometimes itâ€&#x;s hard to stop distressing pictures racing around in your head. They are often about what has happened to you and they might make you feel, sad, angry or somehow to blame.

When you are alone and not very busy or if you are reminded of what happened, this is the time that they come to mind.

You can learn to control these pictures and the upsetting thoughts and feelings that go with them by doing this simple exercise:

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Imagine you are standing in a field watching a bright red hot air balloon slowly go up into the air. You watch it go up and up high into the sky until all you can see is a small red dot far away. You can think of the pictures in your head in the same way. Just let them fl oat through your mind until they are a distant pinpoint. Acknowledge that they are happening, but do not try to stop them in any way. Remember that trying not to think of something makes it more likely to come to mind.

Tackling night times

Night times can be really difficult. You might find that you wake up in the middle of the night and can‟t get back to sleep. This is often a time when thoughts about the assault seem to happen most or you are woken by a bad dream.

You could:

 Try and be really active during the day and avoid naps, so that when you go to bed you are really sleepy

 Have a warm bath and a hot milky drink before you go to bed  Avoid drinks with caffeine in them like tea, coffee and soft drinks.  Caffeine puts your body on „red alert‟ and you don‟t need any more of it at the moment!

 If you wake up in the middle of the night, don‟t try and go back to sleep until you actually feel sleepy again, otherwise you are likely to toss and turn.

 You might go into another room and listen to your favourite music or try reading a book or a favourite magazine

 Have a night-light or bedside lamp on so that when you wake up you can see the room

 Remember nightmares are just dreams and that they are not real

Learning to relax

Sometimes, you might become very frightened or upset by things that remind you of what happened and learning to relax might help you to feel better.

Try this relaxation exercise:

Create a calming picture in your head - it could be somewhere you have been or a place you dream about. Try to make the picture as real as you can by imagining what you can hear, see, smell, feel and touch. For example, if you are imagining a beach, can you feel the sun on your face, can you hear the waves crashing on the shore, and can you feel the sand between your toes?

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Depression Feeling fed up or unhappy is common after an assault. These feelings might come and go but sometimes you just can‟t shift them. Depression can happen because you feel unattractive, think things will never get better or because you feel you have no–one to talk to and that no-one understands you. You might notice that you:

 Can‟t stop crying  Have trouble falling asleep at night  Feel constantly tired and lacking in energy  Eating loads of junk food or not eating at all  Have problems concentrating  Have stopped doing things you used to enjoy

 Go out less often and just want to be on your own

 Feel life is not worth living

Getting rid of depression  Write how you feel and what you are    

thinking about in a diary Listen to music Do some exercise like swimming, dancing or jogging Go for a walk and get some fresh air Eat regularly and as healthily as you can

Should your depression get worse, especially if you have thoughts about hurting or killing yourself, then you should speak to your GP. You could see your GP on your own, confidentially, or go with a relation or friend if you prefer. Your GP may suggest medication that will help you cope with these difficult thoughts and feelings, may also recommend that you speak to a counsellor and can refer you to local services.

20

Shame, Guilt and Self-blame People who have been assaulted often feel ashamed, guilty or blame themselves for what happened. Shame means that you see yourself in the way you think other people see you, which might be „bad‟ „dirty‟ or „ugly‟. Although these thoughts are not true, at times this might make you want to hide or escape from your family or friends. Guilt and self blame means that you think in some way that the assault was your fault. You think you should have been able to predict, stop or reduce the harm done to you. For example, you might believe that you should have fought back, even though it was dangerous to do so. It‟s important to remember that you could not know what was going to happen and it was totally beyond your control. You are not superhuman!

Talk about your feelings Feelings of guilt or shame might make it difficult for you to talk with other people about what has happened. This isn‟t always helpful and, although it might be hard, it is often good to share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust. Talking to someone else can help you see things in a different way and make you realise that you‟re not so bad after all.

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ANGER At times you might think things like: everyone is getting on your nerves that life is unfair because it happened to you or that you should just be getting over it. These thoughts are common after an assault and often lead to feelings of anger. When you‟re angry you might notice that: • Can‟t • Feel

think clearly

hot, sweaty, tense and uptight

• Clench

your teeth, make fists and shake

• Shout,

swear or threaten people

• Shove,

push or hit people

• Throw • Wind

or break things

people up

Sometimes we might turn our angry feelings in on ourselves and this can lead to eating problems, feeling low, getting into trouble or refusing to go to school.

When you are angry you might not be able to think of anything else apart from how angry you are. This will wind you up even more. Below are some tips to help you avoid getting in this state.

STOPPING ANGER Recognise the first signs that tell you when you‟re getting worked up, for example clenched teeth and fists, tense muscles, a fast beating heart and stomach turns.

When you notice these signs, think of a set of traffic lights and do the following:

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DANGER! 

Shout out or imagine hearing the word STOP



Stand still



Turn away

CALM DOWN 

Take regular deep breaths



Think of calming thoughts such as:



“Chill out!”



“They‟re not worth bothering about”



“I won‟t let it get to me”



“It‟s not fair, but losing my temper will just make things worse”

LEAVE THE SITUATION 

Listen to music



Go for a walk



Get into a good book or computer game

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Self-injury

To cope with upsetting thoughts and feelings, you might try to block them out by doing (or think about doing) things that are harmful to you. You might try and hide what you are doing rather than draw attention to it; maybe you feel ashamed, afraid or worried about how other people will react. You might notice that you:

    

Scratch, pick, cut or burn your skin Hit yourself or objects, like banging your head against the wall Take a drug overdose Swallow or put things inside your body Drink lots of alcohol or use street drugs

The reasons for hurting yourself might be that it:

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    

Helps release upsetting feelings Distracts you from upsetting thoughts and feelings Helps to show somebody else how you are feeling Brings you comfort or helps you get to sleep Is a way of punishing yourself

Coping with self-injury 

Rather than hurt yourself, try something less harmful like marking your body with a red coloured pen or snapping a rubber band on the area of arm or leg that you usually focus on



Visualise a pleasant relaxing scene like being on a beach



Get moving – walk, run, swim or any other activity that you can manage



Get creative – write about how you feel and what you are thinking or draw, paint or make a model



Play or listen to music



Distract yourself from your thoughts by watching TV, stroking a pet, cleaning up your room or playing a game

Whether you are hurting yourself by self injury, drugs or alcohol, it would be a good idea for you to seek professional help. Useful contact numbers are given at the back of this booklet.

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Tell

S

Someone:

M

Make: Make

someone

where you are going and when you will be back arrangements

for your transport before you leave home. Have spare cash for taxi and phone

A R

Avoid: Avoid going alone – Friends can watch out for you Remember: Remember alcohol effects your actions and your ability to be alert

T

Trust: Never accept a drink from

anyone

completely trust

26

you

don’t

Phone: Have your mobile charged and have credit

Loo: When you have to go, do not leave your drink unattended

Always: Always leave a club or party with someone you know or trust

Number: A number of drugs can be used to spike alcohol, tea, coffee and soft drinks

P L A N

If you are not comfortable with what is going on around you or have even the slightest concern about your safety do something about it

BE AWARE

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What is Counselling?

Counselling provides you with a safe , confidential space to talk to a counsellor. (It is important that the counsellor is professionally qualified and accredited). It gives you an opportunity to look at difficulties that you are experiencing because of things that have happened in your life. With support, you can explore thoughts and feelings and make changes that you wish to make.

How does counselling help?

Clients tell us that it is a huge relief to talk to someone, often for the first time. They are given time and space to talk about what has happened to them and the impact it has had on their lives. There is no pressure on the person to say or do anything. It is their choice how much they wish to talk and any changes they wish to make.

How long will I be in Counselling?

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The length of time counselling takes varies from person to person. The pace of healing and each personâ€&#x;s experience is unique, so the duration of their counselling cannot be predicted. It can vary from a few weeks up to a few years but the majority of people feel some benefits after the first few sessions.

It is always the choice of the individual whether or not they wish to continue with the counselling process.

There will always be time to discuss this with their counsellor.

A counselling session lasts for one hour and we offer counselling on a weekly basis.

Do people really recover from such a traumatic event?

Yes people can and do recover from traumatic events and experiences. Over the past 14 years we have worked with many clients who have developed healthier and happier lives.

Why do I need counselling?

All of us, both men and women, experience difficulties in our lives. Some experiences are too hard to deal with on our own. Maybe you can talk to family and friends, or there is a limit to the help they can give. Clients say that they appreciate a safe space that is private and confidential and just for them.

How much do I have to pay?

The Donegal Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre provides a professional counselling service, which is free of charge, to both males and females who have experienced rape, sexual abuse or any other form of sexual violence. If you have been affected by sexual violence, you can contact the Donegal Sexual Abuse & Rape Crisis Centre for counselling and support. Our telephone number is FREEPHONE 1800 44 88 44.

Do I need to book an appointment before I go in?

You don‟t have to have an appointment but it is recommended that you make an appointment to ensure that a counsellor is available to see you

Could I just talk to someone over the phone and not go in to the centre?

Yes, some people don‟t want to come in, especially in the early stages.

Other people may not be able to come due to transport or childcare or whatever.

Do you have to report to the Gardaí?

It is the client‟s choice to report to the Gardaí or not. The counsellor will support them whatever they decide. It is very important for some people and for others it is something that they do not want to do.

29

Name

Address

Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre Letterkenny

Freephone Telephone

1800 44 88 44 074 9128211 rapecrisis@eircom.net 1800 778 888

Sexual Assault Treatment Unit

Letterkenny

074 9104436

COSC

Donegal Town

074 9725836

Childline

1800 666 666

Garda - Letterkenny Garda Station

Newline Road, Letterkenny

074 9122222

Garda - Annagry Garda Station

Main Street, Annagry

074 9548102

Garda - Ballybofey Garda Station

Main Street, Ballybofey

074 9137740

Garda - Ballyshannon Garda Station

Portnason, Ballyshannon

071 9858530

Garda - Buncrana Garda Station

Lisfannon, Buncrana

074 9320540

Garda - Donegal Town Garda Station

Quay Street, Donegal

074 9740190

Garda - Lifford Garda Station

Main Street, Lifford

074 9141000

Garda - Milford Garda Station

Main Street, Milford

074 9153060

Garda - Raphoe Garda Station

William Street, Raphoe

074 9145114

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email

Telephone

Name

Address

Child Protection Service

Letterkenny

074 9123670 074 9123672

Buncrana

074 9320420

Donegal Town

074 9723640

Now Doc

Oldtown, Letterkenny

Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic

Derry City

Breakout Donegal LGBT Youth

Freephone

1850 400 911 048 71611269 071 9170473

Sligo STI

Letterkenny

Text

Letterkenny General Hospital Letterkenny Cari

0857411607 074 9125888

1890 924 567

Domestic Violence 24hr Service Freephone

Letterkenny

Al-Anon

Pastoral Centre, Letterkenny

074 9121853

Youth Addiction Counsellor

Letterkenny

074 9128769

Faoiseamh Nexus Institute www.nexusinstitute.org

1800 262 677

074 9126267

1800 331 234 028 9032 6803 Northern Ireland

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Donegal Sexual Abuse & RCC 2A Grand Central Canal Rd Letterkenny Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9128211 Freephone: 1800 44 88 44 Email: rapecrisis@eircom.net

Letterkenny Citizens Information Centre Public Services Centre Blaney Road Letterkenny Co. Donegal Lo call: 1890 777 121 Tel: 074 9194281 Fax: 074 9194394 Website: www.citizensinformation.ie Email: letterkenny@citinfo.ie