ARTISTS THROW LIFELINE TO RAPE CRISIS CENTRE

UTV from www.u.tv A sexual abuse charity could be saved from closure by some of Northern Ireland's top artists, it has emerged.

Paintings worth thousands of pounds are to be auctioned as part of a fundraising event for a beleaguered rape victims charity.

The money throws a lifeline to Belfast's Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre which has been facing closure since government funding was stopped last year.

More than 40 of Northern Ireland's most popular artists, including Rita Duffy, Brian Ballard and Hector McDonnell, have donated paintings for the auction.

A total of 15 works of art will go under the hammer at Ross' Auction House, Belfast, on Wednesday while the remaining paintings will be included in a show in April.

The charity has been struggling for almost 18 months since its government funding was controversially withdrawn.

A grant of £66,000 a year was stopped in July last year because the government claimed the centre was failing to keep proper financial accounts.

The centre - which is the only free crisis counselling service in Northern Ireland for victims of rape, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse - survives on public donations and small fundraising events.

It employs just two people and has the support of three volunteers.

Paula Wynburne, who organised a similar auction 15 years ago, said: "When I heard they were in dire financial straits I volunteered to come back and do some fundraising for them. And since it was so long since the last one I thought I`d go back and ask the artists to donate again."

TOP ARTISTS PUT WORK TO AUCTION FOR RAPE CRISIS CENTRE

SOME of Northern Ireland's top artists have donated thousands of pounds worth of paintings to the Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre.

The paintings are part of an auction celebrating Irish contemporary art, including works from Hector McDonnell, Rita Duffy and Brian Ballard, taking place at Ross's Auction House next Wednesday (December 5).

Over 40 artists have donated pieces with 15 being auctioned next week, the remaining donations will be part of a show in April next year.
The auction is a life line for the struggling charity.

Almost two years ago the Rape Crisis Centre - which is the only free, crisis counselling service in Northern Ireland for victims and survivors of rape, child sexual abuse and sexual violence – had it’s government funding withdrawn amid controversy.

Since this time the Centre, with only staff of just two and a further three volunteers have been surviving on donations from the general public and small fund-raising events organised by supporters.

Paula Wynburne, voluntary fundraiser for the Rape Crisis Centre, organised an auction 15 years ago to support the Centre and when she heard about their troubles she decided to organise another fundraiser.

Paula & Rita discuss her series of paintings
one of which she has donated to the auction


She said: "When I heard they were in dire financial straits I volunteered to come back and do some fundraising for them.

"And since it was so long since the last one I thought I'd go back and ask the artists to donate again.

"This auction not only enables people to support the Rape Crisis Centre, they get a work of art, which over time will actually increase in value. It benefits the buyer as well, it's something they get to enjoy and reap the benefits of.

"A list of the Rape Crisis Centre paintings will be available at Ross's so people can go down and view them on Tuesday.
"We are also going to be doing an exhibition at the beginning of next year".

One of Northern Ireland's most celebrated artists, Rita Duffy is donating a painting from a series on the female psyche.

"I believe in the Rape Crisis Centre as a valuable part of every civilised community, if we were a more civilised community there would be no need for a Rape Crisis Centre because violence against women wouldn't be happening", she said.

"But unfortunately it's still in 2007 a part of everyday life in Northern Ireland. And unfortunately it's still a area we need to fund-raise for to give assistance to women who are in need.

"I have also a contract with Amnesty International because I believe in Full Stop - violence against the human is wrong.

"We do these things and we hope tomorrow will be a better day. But then again you look at the pace of development in Northern Ireland and if you were a more despairing person, maybe you would despair, we're very slow at actually fulfilling our needs here in terms of real issues.

"In light of what is going on in our communities, it is absolutely vital that women and families get the support that they need".

Don't go out alone' warning to women

BELFAST TELEGRAPH
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Women in the lower Shankill area have been warned not to walk alone at night following the second serious sexual assault in the area in a fortnight.

Police are investigating reports that a 17-year-old girl was raped in the Malvern Street area as she was walking home on Monday night.

She was attacked by an unknown male shortly before 10.30pm near a GPs' surgery.

Councillor Elaine McMillen said she feared the attack and another serious sexual assault on a woman in her 20s at nearby Denmark Street early on November 17 could be linked.

"That is two within a couple of weeks of each other," the DUP councillor said.

"I would be worried that there is a link between the two. People should be vigilant, young ladies especially. I would appeal to anybody who knows who this is to ring the police so they can be brought to justice."

But police said they are not investigating a link.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "If anything comes up in the course of this investigation, it will be investigated further."

PUP councillor Hugh Smith said he would be contacting police to make sure there are more patrols in the area.

Rape Crisis Centre director Eileen Calder said: "It's an absolute disgrace that women are not safe on the streets of Belfast. Even at that time of the night, women should have the right to be able to walk around without the fear of attack."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at Antrim Road at 0845 6008000.