Galway Rape Crisis Network is set to shut

The Rape Crisis Network, which manages frontline centres around the country from its base in Galway, is set to close after all funding was cut by the Government.

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) has been based in Galway for 30 years where it has specialist support for the 11 rape crisis centres, accredited training programmes for staff and volunteers and manages vetting and education development.

The network collaborates with a range of bodies to drive change in a united way in a bid to thwart sexual violence. It publishes annual rape crisis statistics and conducts other significant research.

The RCNI has stated that it will be forced to close if a recent decision by the Child and Family Agency Tusla to cut all funding to the organisation – which went from €250,000 in 2010 to €180,000 and now zero – is not reversed.

Acting director of RCNI Dr Cliona Saidlear explained that it was vital there was an independent voice for survivors – two thirds of whom choose not to report the crimes officially.

“The role of RCNI is to ensure the voice of the survivor can be as strong as possible in influencing and changing the laws, policy and culture. The network also works to ensure that rape crisis teams learn from each other and hold each other accountable so that survivors get the best possible responses.”

For more on this story, see this week’s Galway City Tribune