I’ve been the Executive Assistant to Maeve the CEO since January 2020 and right from the start, I knew it was a great fit.  Despite the difficult content our psychotherapists and advocacy officers are confronted with in their day-to-day work, there is a great energy within the team, and the tone is one of hopeful optimism.  Although I do not work directly with those who avail of our services, I support those who do and act behind the scenes to keep the operation running smoothly.  I wear many hats in my role, including supporting the CEO and Deputy CEO, conducting research, liaising with the Board of Directors, and administering statutory and non-statutory agreements. 

 My professional background is in international development, and I’ve worked and studied in Mexico, Guatemala, Tanzania, and the Solomon Islands as well as supported projects across Africa and in India.  The kinds of projects varied, but I was drawn to the common themes of justice and supporting communities to empower women and children so that they can be safe from violence and harm.  Some examples include working to address harmful traditional practices like FGM and child marriage, child abuse and domestic violence, and sexual violence.  To me, crimes against someone’s bodily autonomy are the worst kind of violations, and in my experience can take generations to heal. 

Late last year, I was looking to return to the workforce after taking a year and half leave of absence to care for my terminal ill mother.  I was presented with an opportunity to be a part of the One in Four team and it was no surprise to anyone that knows me that I felt drawn to the role.  I was familiar with their work and esteemed reputation as the foremost organisation supporting victims of child sexual abuse in Ireland, but it wasn’t until I started working here that I began to understand the enormity of the direct and indirect impact One in Four has had on addressing child sexual abuse in Ireland, and in helping its victims to begin to heal. 

Every person that comes through our doors and shares his or her experience is taken seriously, listened to and supported to lead a fulfilling healthy life.  The team strikes the balance of ensuring that the client’s needs and well-being are at the forefront in everything we do, while at the same time raising public awareness and advocating publicly on behalf of victims of sexual violence. I truly feel like I am part of a small team of superstars, who punch way above their weight, and never lose sight of the big picture.  I hope to continue to use my operational prowess, foster efficiency, and advance One in Four’s impact for as long as they’ll have me! 

 

Kerry McCormack