Government vows to tackle rape centre crisis

THE Government last night confirmed it is to address the issue of funding for rape crisis centres after a report warned the future of some centres was under threat because of a lack or resources and staff.

The Department of Health is also considering reducing from six to one the number of departments funding the violence-against-women sector.

A report by an interdepartmental sub-group of the National Steering Committee (NSC) on Violence against Women (VAW), warned that three of the country’s sexual assault treatment units (SATUs) would be forced to close unless additional funding was made available.