Carlow College | Carlow | Republic of Ireland |
Student Counselling 059 915 3225 counsellor@carlowcollege.ie
| Carlow & South Leinster Rape Crisis Centre 1800 727 737 (Mon-Fri, 10am – 1pm) 1800 77 88 88 (24 Hour)
| Crime Victims Helpline 116006 or text 085 – 1337711 Supporting & informing victims of crime in Ireland
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Pastoral Care 059 9153245
| Women’s Aid Carlow 059 9173552 1800 444 944
| Rape Crisis Help 1800 77 88 88 (24 Hour)
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Text about it: Text ‘Carlow’ to 50808 |
| Sexual Assault Treatment Units Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Mullingar, Waterford. Sexual Assault Treatment Unit – HSE.ie |
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| Women’s Aid (+men and LGBTI+) 1800 341900
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| Men’s Aid 01 554 3811
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Contact Persons
If you’ve experienced or been affected by sexual violence or harassment, you can speak with a designated Contact Person. A designated Contact Person are trained members of the College community who offer confidential, non-judgmental support.
You can talk to a Contact Person if:
- You want to share what happened in a safe space.
- You need help understanding your options.
- You’re thinking about making a report to the College or to An Garda Síochána.
- You’ve been named in a report and want support.
- They can also provide support if you think you may have caused harm.
What is a Contact Person?
A Contact Person is a specially trained staff member who can receive disclosures of sexual violence and harassment under the College’s Dignity & Respect Policy. They are volunteers who care and want to help. They:
- Offer confidential support (nothing is shared without your permission unless there is a serious risk to safety).
- Are here for anyone affected—including survivors, those supporting someone, or those who have been accused.
What Can a Contact Person Do?
Contact Persons are here to help you feel heard and supported. They can:
- Listen without judgment
- Explain your options and help you explore next steps
- Share contact details for specialist services—both on campus and externally
- Provide guidance on reporting to the College or An Garda Síochána [Police]
- Respect your confidentiality, except in cases of serious risk or child protection concerns
They can also provide support if you have been accused of breaching College policy.
What Contact Persons Don't Do?
Contact Persons do not:
- Act as advocates or representatives in formal College processes
- Offer legal advice or counselling
- Decide what you should do—they support youto make informed choices
Making a Disclosure to a Contact Person
You can make a confidential* disclosure to a trained Contact Person. This may be your first time sharing your experience—and how it’s received matters. Contact Persons are trained to respond with care and sensitivity.
After a disclosure, Contact Persons will usually offer:
- Information about available supports (on campus and beyond)
- Guidance on how to report to An Garda Síochána
- Information on where to go for guidance on the College’s Dignity & Respect Policy
*Disclosures are confidential unless:
- There is a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s
- There are concerns about the safety or welfare of a child
Contacting a Contact Person
You can find contact details of trained Contact Persons below. Reach out when you’re ready.
