The report of the task-force on violence against women is due to be submitted to Government within two weeks, the Minister of State at the Office of the Tanaiste, Ms Eithne Fitzgerald, announced yesterday. Speaking at two meetings of local women in Tipperary, Ms Fitzgerald described violence against women as a "hidden crime" and said it could be particularly traumatic for women who live in isolated or rural areas.
She said the task-force which had devised ways to ensure support services for women in violent situations, would allow women to "disclose and confront violence in their communities".