RCNI Press Release 05 March 2008

Protection from Sexual Exploitation is a Child’s Right

 

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) strongly supported Barnardos’ call at their oral hearing today to the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children for the reintroduction of absolute liability in statutory rape.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director, said ‘the main purpose of absolute liability for statutory rape is to protect children from sexual exploitation. The RCNI are strong advocates of this measure.

‘Not only do we feel it is helpful in protecting children we believe it is essential. Without absolute liability in statutory rape, there is the danger of a justice gap. Our laws must be capable of vindicating the rights of all people equally. An offender should not feel they are more likely to get away with it because they have offended against a child. No rape victim should find the pursuit of justice is blocked in their case because they belong to a certain class, community, gender or age of victim.

‘Absolute liability brings back the guarantee that the State and society will uphold young teenagers’ right to be free from sexual exploitation by adults.’

Notes:
• The RCNI is the national Rape Crisis Sector body, which provides a strong voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change to end rape and all forms of sexual violence.

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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