RCNI Press Release 04 June 2004

Limerick rape victims need more than a garda’s words

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) in response to the reports of the horrific terrorising of a community in Limerick, have asked those in power to reflect on the reasons for the seeming powerlessness of the authorities to deal effectively with these grievous crimes.

Fiona Neary, National Coordinator of the RCNI, said, ‘the gardai have stated that they will treat any women who have been raped ‘sensitively’. While we have absolutely no doubt that the gardai will do everything in their capacity, we also know that the capacity simply does not exist in Limerick.

Limerick has no Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU). This means that survivors who make a report must travel to Cork to allow forensic evidence to be gathered. That is a 126 mile roundtrip with, what can be a difficult examination, before the survivor can even have a shower.

This is before we consider the climate of threat which exists in this community. For the gardai to ask women to come forward to report the rapes by pointing out that their lack of reporting means ‘this will carry on’ is, in fact, insensitive and wrongheaded.

Putting the onus on survivors to risk more trauma and abuse where a reported reign of terror already exists is for the state to fail these survivors yet again. The gardai must guarantee these women and this community safety before the issue can be tackled through the criminal justice system. The State, in turn, must ensure the essential support services for survivors and their supporters are in place.

The RCNI would urge all survivors to contact their local Rape Crisis Centre (RCC) who can offer them support, guidance and expertise in complete confidentiality.

Notes:
• The RCNI is the national forum of Rape Crisis Centres, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.
• Limerick Rape Crisis Centre helpline is 1800 311511. There is also a Dublin RCC 24 hour helpline at 1800 778888
• SATU currently exist in Dublin, Kerry, Cork, Letterkenny and one is opening soon in Waterford
• Plans for a Limerick SATU are presently being held up at a number of points.
• There is currently no funding available to allow the experts in the Rape Crisis Centres to accompany a survivor through the legal process.

For information contact:
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