RCNI Press Release 30 August 2006
Steep rise in demand on Rape Crisis Services shown by Dublin RCC statistics
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today said the increase in demand on services shown by Dublin Rape Crisis statistics for 2005 demonstrates a clear and urgent need for a firm commitment to adequate funding across the rape crisis sector.
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘an 11% increase in calls to the national helpline to a staggering 16,331 calls, has a knock on effect on services throughout the country. Funding to the rape crisis sector as a whole has been effectively capped since 2003. The failure to prioritise adequate funding to rape crisis centres year on year is an appalling failure by the Irish Government and the HSE.
‘To prevent and end sexual violence we have to know about the realities of rape and sexual abuse. Accurate information, given to us by survivors of sexual violence, is invaluable in informing Irish individuals, families and institutions on how to prevent further sexual violence and how to respond when someone is trying to tell us that they are or were being victimized. Everyone in society is responsible in ending sexual violence.
‘Information from survivors contributes to a climate of belief of the realities of sexual crimes. Knowing that you will be believed is one of the most important factors in someone feeling safe to tell about what has happened to them. Historically in Ireland the realities of sexual violence have been covered in secrecy and often convenient illusions that protect us from facing up to the facts that in 96.6% of sexual abuse of children is perpetrated by people known to the child and much of the abuse happening within the family, perpetrated by fathers, brothers and male relatives. And the fact that for adult women 65% of sexual violence is perpetrated by people known to them be they partners, ex partners or acquaintances.‘
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
……………..End…………………
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘an 11% increase in calls to the national helpline to a staggering 16,331 calls, has a knock on effect on services throughout the country. Funding to the rape crisis sector as a whole has been effectively capped since 2003. The failure to prioritise adequate funding to rape crisis centres year on year is an appalling failure by the Irish Government and the HSE.
‘To prevent and end sexual violence we have to know about the realities of rape and sexual abuse. Accurate information, given to us by survivors of sexual violence, is invaluable in informing Irish individuals, families and institutions on how to prevent further sexual violence and how to respond when someone is trying to tell us that they are or were being victimized. Everyone in society is responsible in ending sexual violence.
‘Information from survivors contributes to a climate of belief of the realities of sexual crimes. Knowing that you will be believed is one of the most important factors in someone feeling safe to tell about what has happened to them. Historically in Ireland the realities of sexual violence have been covered in secrecy and often convenient illusions that protect us from facing up to the facts that in 96.6% of sexual abuse of children is perpetrated by people known to the child and much of the abuse happening within the family, perpetrated by fathers, brothers and male relatives. And the fact that for adult women 65% of sexual violence is perpetrated by people known to them be they partners, ex partners or acquaintances.‘
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
……………..End…………………
Rape Crisis Network Ireland, 4 Prospect Hill, Galway, Ireland
Registered in Dublin, Ireland Company Reg.: 363350 Charity No.: 13236
091 563676
091 563677
Registered in Dublin, Ireland Company Reg.: 363350 Charity No.: 13236
