RCNI Press Release 09 May 2006
Sex Offenders start young - that's the reality
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today responded to Judge Carney’s comments during the sentencing Eoghan O’Connell, the now 17 year old rapist, with an indictment of the lack of urgency in providing a joined-up response to sex offenders in Ireland.
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we have known for decades, if not longer, that a very significant number of sex offenders begin offending in their early teens. The SAVI report of 2002 clearly identified that regarding child sex abuse in Ireland the perpetrator was 17 years or younger in one out of every four cases. This means that preventative interventions, treatment programmes, probation services and the criminal justice system’s dealing with perpetrators of sexual violence must be highly co-ordinated, comprehensive and effective in dealing with all age groups, from perpetrators aged 12 upwards.
Having certified a point to the Court of Criminal Appeal on how 15 year old rapists should be dealt with by a judge, Justice Carney has not yet received any guidance on this matter. This is yet another sign that in Ireland, our systems for dealing with perpetrators of sexual violence are not addressing the reality of sexual violence crimes, including the fact that a quarter of perpetrators of child sexual abuse are themselves children in the eyes of the law.
In cases like this, where the perpetrator is 15 (or younger) at the time of the offence, he will still be in his twenties when his custodial and post release Sex Offender supervision ceases. He may or may not have accessed any treatment during this time. Will sufficient preventative support systems be available then? We know that our current vetting system remains inadequate only being activated in the future if O’Connell wishes to work in an area with substantial access to children but not if he chooses to work with vulnerable adults for example. Its time to wake up.’
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.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
……………..End…………………
Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we have known for decades, if not longer, that a very significant number of sex offenders begin offending in their early teens. The SAVI report of 2002 clearly identified that regarding child sex abuse in Ireland the perpetrator was 17 years or younger in one out of every four cases. This means that preventative interventions, treatment programmes, probation services and the criminal justice system’s dealing with perpetrators of sexual violence must be highly co-ordinated, comprehensive and effective in dealing with all age groups, from perpetrators aged 12 upwards.
Having certified a point to the Court of Criminal Appeal on how 15 year old rapists should be dealt with by a judge, Justice Carney has not yet received any guidance on this matter. This is yet another sign that in Ireland, our systems for dealing with perpetrators of sexual violence are not addressing the reality of sexual violence crimes, including the fact that a quarter of perpetrators of child sexual abuse are themselves children in the eyes of the law.
In cases like this, where the perpetrator is 15 (or younger) at the time of the offence, he will still be in his twenties when his custodial and post release Sex Offender supervision ceases. He may or may not have accessed any treatment during this time. Will sufficient preventative support systems be available then? We know that our current vetting system remains inadequate only being activated in the future if O’Connell wishes to work in an area with substantial access to children but not if he chooses to work with vulnerable adults for example. Its time to wake up.’
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.
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
……………..End…………………
Rape Crisis Network Ireland, The Halls, Quay Street, Galway, Ireland
Registered in Dublin, Ireland Company Reg.: 363350 Charity No.: 13236
091 563676
091 563677
Registered in Dublin, Ireland Company Reg.: 363350 Charity No.: 13236
