Sinn Féin Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has called on the Government to increase its funding to Rape Crisis Centres and other advocacy and supports services to reflect the surge in demand, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teachta Crowe was responding to the latest report by the Rape Crisis Network, which showed demand for rape-and crisis counselling up by nearly a quarter in the first seven months of the pandemic with women’s refuges reporting a spike in demand.

Teachta Crowe said:

“The release of this report from the Rape Crisis Network shows the demand for rape-and crisis counselling up by nearly a quarter in the first seven months of this year.

“While Christmas and other seasonal events are a time of joy and excitement, they can also be a nightmare for many others. Women’s refuges are entering their busiest period and also reported a spike in demand during the COVID pandemic.

“The government need to move away from meaningless and empty words of admiration for the Rape Crisis Centres and Women’s Refuges and support calls for a major increase in funding of advocacy and support groups to meet the unprecedented demand and calls for help.

“We know that the arrival of COVID-19 has brought increased financial hardship, and subsequent worry and tension, into relationships, but these figures are truly alarming. This demand is happening as voluntary groups are already pinned to their collar trying to fundraise, while at the same time also trying to meet the rising demand for their services.”