Rape crisis service 'underfunded'

IRISH TIMES

25.11.07

www.ireland.com

Rape victims in the border counties face not being able to access vital specialist services because of underfunding, it was claimed today.
The Rape Crisis Network of Ireland (RCNI) said centres in other areas of the country receive four times more than the north east.
Volunteers plan to mark the 10th anniversary of the Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Centre (RC&SAC) this week by highlighting what they say is a poor level of funding from the Health Service Executive (HSE).
"While congratulating the HSE in funding Rape Crisis North East to date, we also have to question the severely inadequate allocation, which is greatly at odds with investment in sexual violence service in the rest of the country," said Fiona Neary RCNI executive director.
"Similar regions in the country receive four times the level of funding as the North East. As a result victims in the North East face the possibility of not being able to access the specialised response service offered by the centre. This situation cannot continue."
Based in Dundalk, the RC&SAC delivers vital services in Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and north Meath with a telephone helpline and support service, face-to-face counselling, advocacy, and court accompaniment services for women and men over 18 years of age.