Funds shortage may suppress rape reporting

FEWER women may report rape because there is no nationwide network of sexual assault treatment centres in hospitals, experts have warned.

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) is concerned the existing 9% rate for reporting of sexual crimes could fall further due to the lack of funding for more facilities to treat rape victims.

It has recommended that there should be a sexual assault treatment centre in each of the country's eight health board regions. However, there are only four such units in Dublin, Cork, Letterkenny and Tralee.