'Overwhelming' show of support for the victim
Related Articles
Saturday December 19 2009
THE Kerry Rape Crisis Centre (KRCC) has been "totally overwhelmed" with messages of support and sympathy for the 22-year old woman at the centre of the Listowel sexual assault controversy.
The centre has provided support for more than a year to the young woman who was sexually assaulted by nightclub bouncer Danny Foley (35).
Workers at the centre also expressed deep concern over scenes in the Circuit Criminal Court last Wednesday, when 50 people, mostly middle-aged men, queued up to shake hands with Foley before he was sentenced.
Upset
The victim was forced to watch the bizarre procession -- and was deeply upset by the incident.
KRCC director Vera O'Leary last night said that they were totally taken aback by the sheer volume of messages of support for the victim from all over Ireland.
"I almost had to push open the door this morning with the number of letters and cards of support," she said.
"We also had more than 600 hits [on the internet] from people who want to show their sympathy and solidarity with her. We also had a huge number of calls from people with messages of support, with our switchboard totally lit up," she added.
The KRCC is also providing support for the young woman as she is expected to stage a press conference at 2pm today to discuss her ordeal and her reaction to last Wednesday's controversial events in the Circuit Criminal Court.
- Ralph Riegel
Irish Independent
