Rape crisis funding - Money only part of the solution

THE revelation that Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney is to re-examine the level of funding for rape crisis centres is good news.

But in the aftermath of the Irish Examiner series on the growing incidence of rape in society, the Government must accept that money is only part of the solution. Cash should not be used as a sticking plaster to gloss over the State’s failure to protect women.

It is astonishing to think that 95% of rape cases in this country do not result in a conviction. There is an obvious need for the judiciary to hand down more consistent and tougher sentences for crimes of sexual violence. Lack of political will to address this crisis has been a cause of concern.

Hopefully, Ms Harney’s lead will be followed by other politicians and her commitment will result in a cohesive strategy for combating the heinous crime of rape.