Domestic abuse on the rise in Donegal
Published: 24 April, 2009
Domestic abuse on the rise in Donegal
Buncrana Sinn Fein councilor Daren Lalor has expressed his concern over the alarming increase in sexual assault across Donegal.
The figures released by the Donegal Sexual Abuse and Rape Crises Centre are very alarming, and even more worrying when we learn that these figures actually under represent the extent of the problem. In only a year the number of rapes across Donegal has risen by 40% with reported sexual assaults up 30%. This is a terrible trend and a trend that needs to be reduced.
It is believed that as many as 60% who contact the Donegal sexual assault and rape crises centre do not wish to report their cases and obviously victims have many reasons for not reporting, however it is essential that they receive top class support and advice. This is a terrible crime and I would urge anybody who finds themselves in this position to seek some sort of counseling or professional advice, it is imperative that victims of sexual assault do not suffer in silence. The reality is domestic abuse is a silent crime that devastates the lives of those living in perpetual fear of their abusers.
Cllr Lalor continues, while the evidence is that cases of sexual assault are on the increase, there is not a corresponding increase in funding in service provision, this is clearly wrong and needs to be challenged.
Indeed the need for expanded service provision has also been a key recommendation in the SAVI Report published by the rape crises centre in Dublin in 2002. As an elected representative I believe that we have an obligation to work together on this issue and send out a clear message that violence against women in any shape or form will no longer be tolerated.
It is also imperative that all elected representatives ensure that adequate resources are given to provide services for survivors, organisations like Donegal Sexual Abuse & Rape Crises Centre, Inishowen Women's Outreach and Donegal Domestic Violence Services should be given the funding and resources it needs to provide these excellent frontline services that they are currently providing on a shoe-string budget.
Cllr Lalor concludes, the message is clear from the DSA & RCC is that they need more resources, they have achieved a lot and I applaud them on that, but it is obvious that more resources is needed, and it is now time for the HSE and other Government agencies to rise the bar.
END DAREN LALOR 087 2256914
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
• This would be very useful to print in paper. Thanks
• Emergency: 999 or 112
• Women's Aid National Helpline: 1800341900
• The Samaritans: 1850609090
• Donegal Domestic Violence Service: 074 9129725
• Donegal's Women's Refuge 24hr Helpline: 1800262677
• Donegal Women's Network: 074 9132023
• Lettterkenny Women's Centre: 074 9124985
• Inishowen Women's Outreach 074 9373232
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