Lo appalled at South Belfast rape and increase in attacks

10.06.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Apr 2008

Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo

Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo has stated she is appalled at the news from the Belfast Rape Crisis Centre that there has been an increase in sex attacks on women and has called for more funding for support services. She stated more awareness raising was needed and called on women walking at night in the area to be vigilant. Her comments follow the rape of a young woman in Botanic Gardens late on Saturday night.

Anna Lo said: "I am appalled that there has been an increase in sex attacks on young women recently.

"This must surely spur on the Executive to provide funding for the Rape Crisis Centre which provides valuable support services and helps raise awareness. There have been some problems in the past in relation to funding for this centre but attacks such as the one at the weekend clearly underline the need for these services.

"The fact that this attack follows so soon the attack in Colin Glen forest park in West Belfast is a real cause for concern. These attacks are totally devastating for the victims and their families.

"I would appeal to women to be very vigilant if they are walking alone at night.

"I would also urge anybody with any information about the attack at the weekend to contact the police."

ENDS