RAPE CRISIS SOCIETY OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

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RAPE CRISIS SOCIETY OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

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COUNSELLING REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1^ST TO DECEMBER 31, 2004

Counselling Services

In support of the Rape Crisis Society’s objective to offer a twenty-four (24) hour service, the counsellors continue to provide a proactive and holistic approach to the well being of clients and the community.  Thus, it is with pleasure that the counsellors give an account to the 20^th Annual General Meeting on their performance for the period January 1^st to December 31^st 2004.

At December 31^st 2004, the counsellors completed another successful year of operations.  Success was reflected in clients’ empowerment and counsellors’ team effort to meet clients’ needs appropriately.

  Ms. Natalie O’Brady joined the staff in March as a counsellor.  She commenced duties at our South Centre five days per week, two days with the Community Caravan and three days in- house.  Mrs. Maureen Murray and Ms. Candy Mc Nicol shared and executed services at the North office, two and three days respectively.

  During the year several counsellors’ meetings were held.  These sessions provided the counsellors the opportunity to learn, participate in fruitful case discussions and maintain a degree of consistency in delivery of service.  Importantly, they also afford counsellors the necessary time for peer supervision and an outlet to offload.

  Over the twenty (20) years of the Society’s existence counselling is provided either on an individual basis or in a group setting.  The group may comprise of couples, families and friends who share similar issues and concerns.  Clients are empowered and encouraged to take charge of their problems and are assisted in formulating and working towards specific goals aimed at effective coping mechanisms.

  During the last five years, over 1,200 new clients have accessed the services of the Society and this figure continues to escalate reinforcing the need for better office facilities and more staff - counselling and administrative.   Among those who have utilised the services are schools, youth centres, churches, government agencies, business organisations and Community-Based Organisations.

  Ten (10) students from tertiary institutions were supervised and trained by the counsellors for the year 2004.  These students were placed at the Centres (North & South) to undertake their practicum and internship training.

  The Counsellors wish to express thanks to the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and administrative staff for their support and co-operation over the last year.

Statistics on the Social Issues

  The total number of new clients in the year 2004 reflected an increase of 7 per cent from the 2003 total of 237.  New and old clients equate to 712, another increase of 8 per cent over the previous year.  This is evidence of the overwhelming need of the services provided by the Society   (See graph 1).

Table I

  Graph 1 illustrates counselling sessions (new cases) per month (2004)

  Graph 2

Graph 2: In the 12 – 17 age group, there seems to be a definite correlation between the sexual abuse/incest/rape atrocities and the onset of puberty – the perceived coming of age of the female child.  Also apparent is the age group 12 to 26, which represented more than 50% of new clients who have sought counselling to manage challenges in their daily lives. 

Graph 3