Increased funding needed for Rape Crisis Centres and Network

The figures published today by the Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) are deeply concerning said Labour Seanad Leader Ivana Bacik, commending the RCNI on their work, and calling for enhanced funding to ensure that centres can provide the services needed for survivors.

Senator Bacik said:

“The publication today by RCNI is timely and illustrates the impact of Covid-19 on levels of sexual violence, and the difficulties that the lockdown has caused for so many survivors. Now more than ever we need well-funded services for those seeking help. I want to commend the work of centres across the country who adapted to the lockdown by providing remote counselling where possible, and enabling appointments by phone or video call.

“The significant increase in reported contacts in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 2019 shows that people really do need help, and that when services are there, they will be used.

“While this reporting work was funded by the Department of Justice, the 16 Rape Crisis Centres in Ireland are mostly funded by Tusla, and I would urge the new Minister to ensure that additional funding is now committed to the network to address the increased demand for help."