Rape service cuts - Victims need a lot more

There is a considerable body of evidence to suggest that rape victims do not get the support they need and deserve. It is often made far more difficult than it ought to be for victims to seek redress through our courts.

Yesterday, Rape Crisis Midwest announced that it would have to temporarily close offices in Ennis and Nenagh because of funding difficulties. On the face of it, this is disheartening but the bigger question must be why we depend on voluntary organisations for these kind of services. Surely an arm of the HSE, in conjunction with our justice system, should provide these services?

A woman who has been raped should not have to rely on charity for help; that we expect her to says a lot about our less-than-admirable attitude to women.