Academics slam cuts to rape network

A number of senior academics have come together in support of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland as the organisation struggles to cope with massive cuts in Government funding.

In an open letter in support of the Rape Crisis Network, the 17 academics, from a variety of third-level institutions in Ireland, Britain, and the US, called on the Irish Government to reinstate the funding.

“Sexual violence continues to be one of the most serious challenges for our society. The paucity of data on this issue, particularly of a survivor-centred nature, highlights the considerable gaps in knowledge that currently exist,” they state.

“There can also be considerable difficulty in conducting good quality, robust research as a result. In recent years, we the undersigned have, in partnership with and made possible by Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI), had the opportunity to engage in research, learning and sharing on this issue, some of which has been truly ground-breaking.

“As academics, research-ers, and partners of RCNI, we call on the Irish Government to reinstate the funding for this essential and unique resource, which helps to bridge the gap between academic expertise, emerging sexual violence issues, and survivors.

“The continuing provision of high-quality national data not available elsewhere in Ireland is of utmost importance in this regard.”

Earlier this month, RCNI, an umbrella body for 11 of the country’s 16 rape crisis centres, said all its core funding had been cut since the Government established Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

It criticised Tusla for pulling its €250,000 funding completely. The RCNI rejected claims from Tusla that its earmarked funding was bound for front line counselling services.

“There is no evidence that any money has been diverted from RCNI to rape crisis centres,” said RCNI acting director Cliona Saidlear.

“Tusla are putting extra resources into employing their own administrative layer with four new posts relating to sexual violence. This can hardly be called diverting money to the front line.”