Chief Executive of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Vera O’Leary who retires this month after a busy, challenging but hugely rewarding 32-year career, reflects on her involvement, how services in Kerry have vastly improved, the wonderful people she worked with but, importantly, why there is still so much that has to be done and needs to be achieved
This month marks the end of a long, fulfilling career with Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre as I retire and start the next phase of my life.
My journey in the sexual violence movement began over 32 years ago. It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked with so many amazing people.
The survivors, who trusted me to travel on their journey of healing with them, have truly been my teachers.
and memories
In 1992 I remember sitting in a counselling room and listening to a young woman recounting her traumatic experience of being raped. Her shame and guilt was palpable and, back then, I honestly felt powerless as we lived in a society that blamed her, silenced her and her options for disclosing and reporting were limited.
Three decades on, we have improved the reporting process and the services but we still have a way to go. The sector has gone from being barely acknowledged to now being viewed as a professional service.
- There is now a dedicated agency (Cuan) to oversee and support sexual violence services under the auspices of the Department of Justice.
- There is improvement in the Criminal Justice process.
- More survivors are reporting and going public.
- Society is slowly pulling out of victim-blaming mode.
Attitudinal change doesn’t happen quickly and needs to be ongoing and underpinned with awareness raising. We have much left to do.
Looking back on my 32 years working in the centre, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Little did I know that this job would become my passion and my life’s work.
At this significant milestone in my personal and professional life, I find it remarkable that I have had a wonderful opportunity to work in a sector which is so important.
It was an extraordinary turn that my life took when, in my 30s, I exited from a career in nursing and joined the centre in its first few months of providing services for survivors of sexual violence.
I have seen the best and worst of humanity but, through it all, I have remained committed to the service and the clients. There have been many challenges along the way but each one has made me stronger and more resilient.
And, of course, no manager of a registered charity is able to be successful without the support of the board of directors and the chairperson. As manager, you have to have to be able engage with, be challenged by and be supported by all the directors. I have consistently had all of that in the various boards over the years.
They have inspired me, helped me to learn so many things, picked me up when I was faltering and worked consistently with me in a positive spirit of respectful partnership.
I have been so fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful, committed individuals who go way and beyond for the clients. It is all of them who actually made my job easier and made KRSAC a safe haven for all the survivors.
I will miss working with these wonderful, skilled and hard-working colleagues. Success of the centre depends on teamwork and I have worked with some of the best.
The contacts and friends that I made have enriched my life and will leave a lasting impact on me. Thank you to you all.
It’s been a bit emotional over the last months since I made the decision to retire and to assist the board in recruiting my replacement. I want to wish my successor, Kristy McFetridge, the best of luck. I believe that the board has chosen well as she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for promoting sexual violence services. Her vision and leadership will guide the centre as it continues to grow.
To the new chief executive, I offer this advice: Never lose sight of why you wanted to work in this sector. It is a career that requires compassion, dedication, integrity and hard work. It is also one of the most rewarding careers you can have.
I am confident that I leave in place a dedicated, professional and capable team to support survivors into the future and that the centre will continue to grow and prosper.
As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories that have shaped me into the person I am today.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey.
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