Ireland must lead to ensure funding for gender-based violence campaigns remains EU priority – Lynch

Ireland must continue to play a strong role in negotiating the next round of EU funding available to tackle gender-based violence, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Eileen Lynch said that across the EU, one in three women experience violence, yet just one in eight report it to the police.

Senator Lynch said: “Significant EU funding is available to support awareness campaigns and preventative measures on gender-based violence. It is delivered primarily through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) Programme.

“There is a clear and sustained commitment to tackling gender-based violence across Europe, particularly on foot of the European Parliament passing the EU Directive to Combat Violence against Women last year. Under the CERV Programme, resources will go towards awareness campaigns, training for frontline professionals, and projects supporting victims, all of which directly complement the Irish Government Strategy on this.

“The Government is already taking strong steps in this area, building on the work of Minister McEntee, from funding refuge spaces to establishing Cuan as a dedicated statutory body and this EU support ensures that our national efforts are reinforced by European solidarity and funding.

“This funding has potential to deliver more awareness campaigns in our schools and communities, better training for frontline workers in places like local Garda stations and health centres, and stronger support for refuges and outreach services across rural and urban Ireland.

“With such potential, it’s crucial, therefore, that this funding is used in the right areas. We need to see more campaigns against misinformation, investment in research, education, and digital literacy, and ensure more women feel encouraged and safe to come forward.

“As the EU prepares for the next round of Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) discussions, the EU’s long-term budget plan which will set spending limits for 2028 to 2034, Ireland must continue to lead on ensuring that funding for gender equality and tackling gender-based violence remains a top priority. We owe it to every woman and girl in this country and across Europe to keep this issue at the heart of EU policymaking and resourcing”, concluded Senator Lynch.