The Annual International 16 days of Activism (November 25 th - December 10 th ) to raise awareness about Violence Against Women focuses our attention on the escalating incidences of this heinous crime. Green Party Deputy leader, Cllr. Mary White said that, “Violence against women is an every day occurrence in Ireland . .

I am calling on the Minister for Finance Mr. Cowen to secure further funding for the Rape Crisis Centre and to increase financial support for all the agencies in Kilkenny who deal with violence against women as he finalizes his forthcoming budget, that will cater for the needs of vulnerable people subject to violence and other forms of abuse who need access to such a centre”

Cllr, White said,

” Kilkenny is experiencing rapid growth in population growing and the rate of legal issues are increasing due to the increase in marriage/relationship breakdown and to domestic violence.

“Given the scale of the problem I am calling on the Government to implement an intensive and comprehensive ‘Education and Awareness campaign’ to highlight the increase in violence against women and to emphasize that detection and intervention is possible.”

“It is important to note that violence against women is not class or border conscious. It occurs in its many forms on a daily basis in every society and in every country. It occurs to women of every class, race, age, sexuality and religion. It is therefore vital that more support is given to rape crisis centres, refuges and free legal aid centres.”

“It is also essential that people who are likely to come into contact with women under threat of violence, such as Gardaí, GPs, teachers and social workers, are given full training and support in the detection of different traits and forms of violence,” concluded Cllr White.

Information

CLLR MARY WHITE - DEPUTY LEADER GREEN PARTY 087 2707189

Filed under: Mary White TD