RCNI Press Release 23 January 2005

NDVIA is crucial to prevention of domestic violence murders

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today called on the government to examine closely the consequences of not funding the NDVIA as there will be a significant impact on victims, on survivors and those providing services for survivors.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director stated, ‘the NDVIA is the only organisation doing this type of work. In Duluth Minnesota, one of the places where this type of pioneering programme was first established, there has been no domestic violence murder there since 1990. A similar project in the London area has also seen a dramatic decrease in domestic violence murders. This is too important an initiative to let it fade away with its task incomplete. Front line services such as rape crisis centres, refuges and support services exist to support women who have already been victimised and to help them overcome the trauma they experienced. Prevention measures are a key aspect of all our efforts in stopping violence against women. The NDVIA model is a proven, effective, preventative model.’

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.

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447

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