Dublin Rape Crisis Centre welcomes Istanbul Convention ratification by Government on International Women’s Day 2019

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has welcomed Minister Charlie Flanagan’s announcement that today, the Government will ratify the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention, which focuses on the prevention and combating of sexual and domestic violence against women and girls.

CEO Noeline Blackwell said: “Today’s ratification will be the end of the journey of preparation and the beginning of a journey of implementation of the steps required by the Convention, which is the first legally binding treaty identifying violence against women as both a human rights violation and as downright discrimination. It is particularly significant that the ratification will happen on International Women’s Day which this year focuses on better balance. This convention can be an important way of achieving that balance.”

In ratifying the Istanbul Convention, Ireland has committed itself to gathering detailed information on the extent of violence against women and girls, and to having effective measures to prevent and to tackle gender based violence. It must also provide adequate funding for rape crisis centres, for domestic violence services including refuges, and 24/7 national helplines. The Convention makes governments accountable and subject to scrutiny by independent expert oversight from the Council of Europe.

Ms Blackwell added: “We believe that the today’s ratification, with proper implementation, can have a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in Ireland, on their health, their safety and their wellbeing. It can contribute to a better Ireland for everyone, where women live a life free from all forms of violence.”

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Spokesperson:  Noeline Blackwell – 01 6614911

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Editor’s Notes

1. The Istanbul Convention, more properly known as The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) is a Council of Europe convention against violence against women and domestic violence which was opened for signature on 11 May 2011, in Istanbul, Turkey.  Full details here: https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention/home.
2. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a non-governmental, voluntary organisation which has as its mission to prevent the harm and heal the trauma of rape. It offers a suite of services to victims of sexual violence.  It runs the National 24-hour Helpline for those who need it in any part of the country. It offers face to face therapy and accompaniment to the Rotunda Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, to court or to Garda stations. It operates from its head office at Leeson Street and from outreach offices at Coolock Civic Centre, Dóchas Women’s Centre, Mountjoy Prison and Tallaght Hospital.
3. We ask that when reporting on this topic, journalists remember that discussions on sexual violence can trigger personal trauma in those receiving the information. Where possible, please make reference to the National 24-hour helpline number 1800 77 88 88 for anyone who may be affected by the discussion.