Madam, - Mary T. Cleary (January 16th) claims that "over €20 million in taxpayers' money is provided for supports for female victims" of domestic violence.
The correct figure for Government funding to all the services for women affected by violence is in fact merely €12 million. Government funding to this sector has remained at that level since 2002, despite increasing demands on the services provided.
The €12 million is spread across a wide array of vital front-line services for women who experience violence. This represents two national helplines, 15 rape crisis centres and 38 other services including refuges, domestic violence support services and services to women in prostitution, which between them support many, many thousands of victims annually.
All of these services are constantly dealing with under-funding. Despite the huge numbers of women in Ireland affected by domestic violence, services are still inadequate and cannot cope with the demand. - Yours, etc,
MARGARET MARTIN, Director, Women's Aid, Old Cabra Road, Dublin 7.