Irish Government criticised over funding for victims of sexual violence
November 12, 2019 · By Mary Regan for www.rte.ie
Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger said Rape Crisis centres had seen a ‘massive increase’ in calls
The Government has been criticised for giving a comparable level of funding to help victims of sexual or gender based violence as it does to the greyhound industry.
Solidarity TD, Ruth Coppinger, said women are wondering why a definition of consent was put in to law because it has not made “one jot of impact” as “the same old rape myths” are being used in criminal trials.
“Is it any wonder we have reports of famous sports celebrities strutting around with impunity, despite sexual assault allegations. Are women to go in to hiding every time such a figure decides to go on a night out?” she asked.
She said it was possible to judge how important a Government considers an issue to be by how much funding they give it: “Your Government gave €25 million to the entire support sector, yet you saw fit to give €17 million to a cruel and ailing greyhound industry,” she told Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
“Because of ‘Me Too’ and more disclosure, Rape Crisis centres have had a massive increase in calls. The increase you gave goes no way to meeting demand,” she added.
The Taoiseach said there is an epidemic of gender based violence in Ireland and across the world and it does need to stop.
Mr Varadkar said the Government is doing quite a lot including ratifying the Istanbul Convention, modernising laws around sexual offences and is planning to introduce a distinct offence of stalking.
He said that An Garda Síochána is improving its specialist services in responding to the needs of victims.
The Taoiseach also told the Dáil about the No Excuses campaign which was launched last May. He said that the aim of the three-year campaign was to raise awareness of sexual harassment and sexual violence.
In relation to funding, Mr Varadkar said that it has been increased by the Government.
He said: “Tusla has statutory responsibility for care and protection from domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. The budget for that has increased by 20% under this Government and stands at €25.3 million.
“In addition, a further €1.7 million is being made available by the Department of Justice and Equality to support 57 organisations which support victim support services, and a further €2 million has been allocated in the budget for 2020 to assist those services next year.”
