One in five women have experienced sexual assault during their adulthood. Last month, the Mid-West Rape Crisis centre was forced to temporarily close its doors due to further funding cuts. This is regardless of a record level of demand for the service over the past years.
Pavee Point is concerned about the continuous funding cuts to sexual and domestic violence services, particularly women’s refuges, for which Traveller women often turn to for help and support.
Frontline services are vital for women who experience domestic and sexual violence. Under the EU Victims Directive, the Irish state will be liable to fines from 2015 onward, if sufficient domestic and sexual services are not put in place.