One in Four angry at funding refusal

The "One in Four" support group for victims of sexual abuse has complained about the State’s ongoing refusal to fund its counselling services.

Last year, the Department of Health signed a 12-month funding deal with the group, but the deal specifically excluded funds for a counselling programme.

The State said taxpayers were already funding such a programme through the National Counselling Service for people abused as children.

However, One in Four claimed yesterday that victims of sexual abuse have to wait up to two years in some areas to access the State service.