Menu
27/07/2018
Greater Resources Must Be Dedicated To Victims Of Rape And Sexual Violence
Labour has called for greater resources to be dedicated to services for victims of rape and sexual violence within the legal process, as the Law Commission reviews a new law on consent.
Making the call, party Equality spokesperson Cllr. Deirdre Kingston, said: "If there is a review of the law in Ireland, surely we should be working to make justice more accessible to victims.
"If a woman in Ireland is raped, she has to be prepared for indignities such as having the clothes she was wearing that night to be shown in court or being asked why she had taken a drink. Yet now, the law commission is reviewing a law which seeks to create space for juries to have understanding for the thinking of a rapist.
"This focus on perpetrators, rather than looking into the needs of victims in legal cases so that their dignity can be respected and justice found for them, highlights the need for a shift in focus on this issue.
"The law proposed suggests that if a rapist has an 'honest' belief that there was consent, they can be given a lesser conviction. However, whether a rapist has an 'honest' belief they had consent does not change the fact their victims did not consent.
"Ultimately we are spending more time trying to find space to achieve an understanding of the intention of a rapist, rather than on finding pathways to justice and support structures for victims.
"At this point, given the extremely low rates of prosecution for rape in Ireland, it is time to take a victim-based approach to our laws and legal system. We need to facilitate more survivors of rape seeking, and obtaining justice and crucially, make them feel supported in doing so."
(MH/LM)
Making the call, party Equality spokesperson Cllr. Deirdre Kingston, said: "If there is a review of the law in Ireland, surely we should be working to make justice more accessible to victims.
"If a woman in Ireland is raped, she has to be prepared for indignities such as having the clothes she was wearing that night to be shown in court or being asked why she had taken a drink. Yet now, the law commission is reviewing a law which seeks to create space for juries to have understanding for the thinking of a rapist.
"This focus on perpetrators, rather than looking into the needs of victims in legal cases so that their dignity can be respected and justice found for them, highlights the need for a shift in focus on this issue.
"The law proposed suggests that if a rapist has an 'honest' belief that there was consent, they can be given a lesser conviction. However, whether a rapist has an 'honest' belief they had consent does not change the fact their victims did not consent.
"Ultimately we are spending more time trying to find space to achieve an understanding of the intention of a rapist, rather than on finding pathways to justice and support structures for victims.
"At this point, given the extremely low rates of prosecution for rape in Ireland, it is time to take a victim-based approach to our laws and legal system. We need to facilitate more survivors of rape seeking, and obtaining justice and crucially, make them feel supported in doing so."
(MH/LM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 March 2024
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
Ministers Praise Critical Work Of Ireland Funds
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have praised the work of Ireland Funds, highlighting its critical role in promoting and supporting peace. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, speaking at the Ireland Funds Gala in Washington, welcomed the positive and real impact made across society by the philanthropic body.
13 March 2024
How Much Gambling Takes Place in Ireland?
When we think of Ireland, we may think of many things ranging from lush green landscapes to Guinness and Irish dancing, but it may be surprising to learn that the country has a passion for gambling.
How Much Gambling Takes Place in Ireland?
When we think of Ireland, we may think of many things ranging from lush green landscapes to Guinness and Irish dancing, but it may be surprising to learn that the country has a passion for gambling.
13 March 2024
Public Appeal After Third Confirmed Case Of Measles In Ireland
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced that it has been made aware of a third confirmed case of measles in the Republic of Ireland. It is understood that the case was confirmed in a resident of Ireland who had arrived back in the country from Abu Dhabi on Saturday 9 March 2024.
Public Appeal After Third Confirmed Case Of Measles In Ireland
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has announced that it has been made aware of a third confirmed case of measles in the Republic of Ireland. It is understood that the case was confirmed in a resident of Ireland who had arrived back in the country from Abu Dhabi on Saturday 9 March 2024.
21 March 2024
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
PSNI Welcomes CJINI Inspection Report
The PSNI has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) inspection report and said that it accepts all of the recommendations that relate to the Police Service.
13 March 2024
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
First And Deputy First Minister To Celebrate St Patrick's Day In US
The First and Deputy First Minister will travel to the United States this week for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in Washington DC. The visit will focus on showcasing the local economy and develop key relationships and networks across the U.S. Ministers will attend the NI Bureau Breakfast, Ireland Funds Gala, a meeting with the U.S.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
