Rape victims and women forced in to trafficking, prostitution and pornography will not be protected by a new government body, it was claimed today.
An office to tackle domestic violence across Ireland came under fire by groups supporting victims of sexual assault.
Violence Against Women (VAW) rejected the recently announced office Cosc: The Irish Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, amid concerns it had major shortcomings.
It accused the office, set up by the Department of Justice, of failing to deal with the issues of rape, sexual assault, trafficking, prostitution and pornography in its remit.
More than 10 non-governmental organisations, including the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rape Crisis Network, Ruhama, Amnesty and Women's Aid demanded a postponement of any further development of the Cosc office.
An urgent meeting of the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women was also called for to review the name, remit and the role of any proposed office integrating work on Violence Against Women.
In an open letter to Frank Fahey, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, VAW said the office is limited to prevention of domestic violence, sidelining the critical role of the Department in protecting and criminalising all forms of violence against women.
Members claim Cosc also fails to hold perpetrators accountable to the criminal justice system, to identify rape, sexual assault, trafficking, prostitution and pornography as violations; excludes NGO involvement and expertise, and emphasises awareness-raising, which international practice has demonstrated to be totally ineffectual unless backed up by strong enforcement (as with drink-driving).
Figures released yesterday by Dublin Rape Crisis Centre revealed its 24 hour helpline dealt with 15,781 calls last year.