Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has said that a report published by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is another stark reminder of the epidemic of violence against women in our society.

The report reveals that 18,600 people contacted the centre’s helpline last year, the highest number to do so in the centre’s 45 year history.

Teachta McDonald said:

“Violence against women is at epidemic levels and it is clear that urgent action is needed to get to grips with this crisis.

“Dublin Rape Crisis have reported receiving the highest number of calls to their helpline in the centre’s 45 year history. This comes just days after Women’s Aid revealed they received more than 40,000 reports of abuse of women and children last year, amounting to the highest number in their organisation’s 50 year history.

“Women and girls across the country have expressed their outrage and solidarity with Natasha O’Brien, after the man who inflicted a brutal and sickening assault on her received a suspended sentence.

“Each of these shine a light on the deep-rooted crisis in our society whereby violence against women is perpetrated, facilitated and normalised.

“Women and girls deserve to feel safe and to be safe, yet it is clear that this is not the case for far too many in our society.

“We need to see urgent action to address the epidemic of violence against women across society, so that there is truly zero tolerance for such crimes.

“Nine counties still do not have a domestic violence refuge; Carlow, Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon and Sligo. Where counties do have refuges, staff too often are faced with the heartbreaking task of having to turn away survivors because they simply don’t have the number of beds they need.

“Sinn Féin supported the implementation of much of the O’Malley Review, as an opportunity to deliver meaningful change for victims. However, because government failed to put in place the required resources, the Gardaí, DPP and the courts are all now struggling with the weight of the extra cases following the review.

“The appropriate resources must be put in place, so there are sufficient Gardaí and court resources to prosecute cases. Unnecessary delays add to avoidable distress and trauma for victims. We need to look at sentencing decisions and appropriate training for judges. Victims must be able to have confidence in the justice system.”