Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Rape Crisis Network Ireland, RCNI, is a specialist information and resource centre on rape and all forms of sexual violence. It is the umbrella body for member rape crisis centres which provide free advice, counselling and support for survivors of sexual abuse. There is real concern about the future of RCNI as its funding is due to cease at the end of March and that a tendering process for services is proposed when an invaluable service with a proven track record is already available in RCNI.

RCNI is responsible for the development of a national database which is essential in developing policy objectives and service responses. These data represent the collective story of the survivors who have utilised rape crisis services and are a vital tool in working to end sexual violence and providing the best possible service for survivors.

RCNI represents member rape crisis centres on important committees such as the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women and its sub-committees, the regional advisory committees and the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. Its representation on these committees ensures survivors' voices are heard at a national level. It partners with Foróige, the national youth organisation, to deliver the integrated youth development programme REAL U.

RCNI is responsible for the development of the best practice model signed up to by all member rape crisis centres. All rape crisis centres sign service level agreements with the HSE which require compliance with Children First. RCNI monitors member rape crisis centres to ensure each centre is compliant in meeting all Children First requirements and ensures all rape crisis centre boards have adopted best practice standards not just in respect of Children First but in all policies.

RCNI is responsible for providing member rape crisis centres with specialised training for both staff and volunteers around court and Garda accompaniment. It has a dedicated expert and specialist resource to support a wide programme of work to obtain justice for the victims of sexual violence. It provides rape crisis centres with the opportunity to interact with each other, allowing them to learn from each, support and help each other, share resources and ideas and inspire each other.

If funding for RCNI is discontinued at the end of March as has been signalled, it will, in turn, have a seriously negative impact on individual rape crisis centres and the survivors who use their services. larraim ar an Rialtas gan maoiniú a ghearradh don eagras fíor-fiúntach agus tábhachtach seo. Tá RCNI ag cabhrú le lár-ionaid ar fud na tíre atá ag tacú le daoine a d'fhulaing éigniú. Beidh sé scanallach má leanann an Rialtas ar aghaidh leis an chiorrú seo. In ainm na ndaoine atá ag braith ar an seirbhís seo, ná dean é.

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