Government accused of failing rape victims

THE Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) has accused the Government of reneging on a promise to increase funding for its services despite an alarming rise in attacks on women.

The decision was taken despite a Government report commissioned last year which found "a prima facie basis for concern at the level of funding in the sector."

The report, which recommended ring-fencing money in the Budget for the violence against women (VAW) sector, was ignored in December's Budget, despite a commitment it would be reviewed. Funding has been capped at €12m annually since 2002, leaving the Rape Crisis Network with a shortfall of €7m.

The RCNI is also unhappy that a review of Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) sitting on Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney's desk since October 5 which identified gaps in the service, has not been acted upon. There are only four SATUs in Cork, Dublin, Waterford and Donegal forcing many victims to undergo gruelling journeys for forensic examination.

Following a series of articles in the Irish Examiner, a year ago this week, which highlighted the fact that 95% of rape cases do not end with a conviction, both the Tánaiste and Junior Minister Tim O'Malley promised to review funding.

In a subsequent meeting with Finance Minister Brian Cowen in February 2005, the RCNI requested an additional €7m in funding. Despite positive soundings no extra money was allocated in the Budget.

The request was repeated at a meeting with Ms Harney a fortnight ago.

RCNI executive director Fiona Neary said last night: "We know we're getting nada."

She accused the Government of failing victims of sexual violence.

The latest figures show reported rapes jumped 35% in three years. There were 370 rapes in 2003, rising to 498 last year.

In 2003, 14 refuges reported on 590 occasions women were refused shelter due to lack of space.

Last week, Mr O'Malley said the Department of Health would monitor "investment in services for victims of sexual offences", repeating a February 2005 commitment.

He said Ms Harney received the report of an interdepartmental group as part of a review and "would meet with the HSE in this regard."

Labour TD Joan Burton accused the Government of failing to meet funding promises.