April 2nd, 2024 

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) welcomes the publication today of the 2024 Implementation Plan for Zero Tolerance: Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) by statutory DSGBV agency Cuan.  

This ambitious plan is part of the Government’s Zero Tolerance, whole-of-government strategy to combat DSGBV in which RCNI plays a key role. The announcement today points to a welcome focus on national service standards and research which will inform DSGBV policy development.  

We particularly welcome the focus emphasised in the plan, on building a ‘strong evidence base for future preventative actions will be established in 2024 to review best practice models in preventing DSGBV.’   

“This implementation plan recognises that intervening in culture requires constant re-elevation of our approach,” says RCNI’s CEO Cliona Saidlear, “as culture and perpetration constantly moves and transforms, it is vital that we learn and innovate.” 

The establishment of Cuan promises to herald a new era of collaboration and achievements in our sector and the plan’s strong commitment to engagement and co-creation is particularly welcomed.  

RCNI looks forward to working with Cuan to make this plan a reality that not only delivers equity of access and supports to all survivors nationwide but ensures the best thinking is informing zero tolerance. 

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