A link should be made by an Irish consortium on gender-based violence (GBV) worldwide and rape crisis centres at home, former president Mary Robinson said yesterday.
At a press conference, Mrs Robinson, special adviser to the consortium, spoke about the progress of the Joint Irish Consortium of Irish development and human rights agencies on the issue of gender-based violence.
When questions were taken, Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said they should not forget what was happening at home. There was a lack of rape crisis facilities and units in many parts of the State. "The level of violence here is escalating and there are no resources for rape crisis centres."
Mrs Robinson said she was glad the issue had come up and that there was a need for the consortium to link up with home and the rape crisis centres. "To me, it is a vital part of the legitimate core of the work of the consortium and links should be made. As well, the issues should be highlighted. I know it is not the primary focus of Irish aid but the link had to be made."