Statement on Cyber Attack Involving Sexual Violence Charities

Regarding the cyber attack that has impacted some sexual violence charities, Rape Crisis Network Ireland would like to assure survivors who have attended or are attending our member centres that our system has not been breached and our survivor data remains secure. RCNI members centres are: Carlow, Kildare and South Leinster Rape Crisis Centre Donegal […]

Rape Crisis Network Ireland calls for an independent authority on Domestic, Sexual and Gender based violence  

On Monday January 30 2023 Rape Crisis Network Ireland contributed to a meeting with GREVIO to inform their examination of Ireland’s response to combatting Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV). RCNI highlighted in particular the concern that there are still no plans to put in place independent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.  GREVIO is the international […]

‘A Safer Space: Counselling Survivors of Sexual Violence Online’  Launched

Rape Crisis Network Ireland is pleased to launch the report ‘A Safer Space: Counselling Survivors of Sexual Violence Online’ to coincide with annual international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign. The report can be downloaded here.  During the Covid-19 pandemic support services for survivors of sexual violence were forced to physically close and […]

Patterns of contact change but patterns of abuse stay the same

Rape Crisis Network Ireland Launches Rape Crisis Statistics 2021 Report   Patterns of contact with rape crisis services are changing but patterns of abuse stay the same is the message of Rape Crisis Network Ireland’s Rape Crisis Statistics 2021 report. This year’s report examines data gleaned over three years – 2019, 2020 and 2021 – to […]

RCNI Statement on Council of Europe’s Dublin Declaration

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) commends the leadership of the Irish Minister for Justice, Ms Helen McEntee, in setting before her colleagues in the Council of Europe the Dublin Declaration on Domestic Sexual and Gender-based violence. We believe the shared vision and commitment here will enhance our work across Europe in ending domestic and sexual […]

RCNI Welcomes Government’s Recommitment to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence in Budget 2023

RCNI welcomes the recommitment of this government and Minister Helen McEntee to the absolute prioritisation of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) in Budget 2023. The €9m additional budget for the issue is very welcome with €7m of this is earmarked for services. However, the question remains for RCNI of how much of this funding […]

Rape Crisis Network Ireland Welcomes Two Forthcoming Bills

RCNI welcomes the forthcoming Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill and the newly published General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) and Human Trafficking Bill 2022. Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill    We look forward to seeing the details of the proposed new dedicated offence on stalking which acknowledges that the wide range of stalking […]

Rape Crisis Network Ireland Welcomes Opening of Consultation on the new Junior Cycle RSE Curriculum

Rape Crisis Network Ireland welcomes the publication of the draft specifications on SPHE/RSE curriculum for Junior cycle children and the opening of a 12- week consultation on the new Junior Cycle Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) curriculum. The document we are asked to consider is the endpoint of extensive consultation that began in 2018. This updated curriculum […]

RCNI Welcomes the Third National Strategy on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

RCNI welcomes the launch of the Third National Strategy on Domestic Sexual and Gender-Based Violence 2022-2026 by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. This government and Minister McEntee have demonstrated a commitment to addressing sexual, domestic and gender-based violence and as such, we have high expectations for this strategy, which is our first since ratifying the Istanbul Convention in […]