RCNI Press Release 02 December 2004

Minister Cowen fails to address crisis in violence against women sector

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) and the National Network of Women’s Refuges and Support Services (NNWRSS) were deeply disappointed and disheartened by yesterday’s budget which fails to redress the neglect of the sector.

Sharon O’Halloran of the National Network of Women’s refuges and Support Services (NNWRSS) said, ‘in applauding the Minister for his foresight to ensure provision of essential services to some of the most vulnerable in society, we cannot but reflect on the complete absence of the same consideration for the victims of Violence Against Women. This sector, which encompasses two national help lines, 15 Rape Crisis Centres and 38 refuges and support services, has had its statutory funding effectively capped since 2001.’

Fiona Neary of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) added, ‘we sought two outcomes from this budget: a substantial “once-of” increase to the sector to enabled minimum delivery of core services, and the development of a coherent framework to administer funding to the sector. This budget failed to deliver either. This budget has delivered nothing for victims for sexual violence, and demonstrates their absence of priority to this Government. This is an opportunity lost, and represents a great loss to all victims of sexual violence in our communities.’

Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
• The NNWRSS is the national forum of refuges and support services for victims of Domestic Violence

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