RCNI Press Release 1 October 2008
RCNI meet Joint Committee to make case for a referendum
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) met the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children today (1st October at 5pm) and urged them to support absolute and strict liability in rape cases.
Fiona Neary, RCNI Director, said, ‘a children’s referendum is necessary to deliver absolute and strict liability in statutory rape cases. These laws will fill the current gap in child protection in Ireland. These laws address the vulnerability of young teenagers and allow the State to hold to account those who, by intention or by irresponsible behaviour, have sex with a child.
‘Victim-blaming as a defence for having abused a child would no longer be allowed under absolute liability. This is essential if we are serious about adults taking responsibility for their behaviour and for children being protected in Ireland. Today we urged the Committee to come to agreement and strongly recommend to the government that a children’s referendum be held.’
Clíona Saidléar, RCNI Policy and Communications Director said, ‘it is vital we have laws that clearly and correctly name child rape. Child victim’s today often face a society that denies and makes little of what has happened to them. The terrible consequence of being ignored and unsupported for many child victims is that they will be left vulnerable and will go on to be raped again.
• 10% of Irish Rape Crisis clients in 2007 have been raped in both childhood and adulthood.
• The SAVI Report (2002) found that a child victim of rape was 17 times more likely, than the non abused child, to be raped again in adulthood.
This is unacceptable and it is preventable if society and the law takes a stand and supports the child victim now. It does this by ensuring a child is believed, the State can react appropriately and a perpetrator is held responsible for their actions. Absolute liability in statutory rape cases is one important way that this is achieved.’
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.
• The full transcript of the RCNI oral hearing to the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children is available online at Oireachtas.ie or for the presentation only please visit www.rcni.ie
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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Fiona Neary, RCNI Director, said, ‘a children’s referendum is necessary to deliver absolute and strict liability in statutory rape cases. These laws will fill the current gap in child protection in Ireland. These laws address the vulnerability of young teenagers and allow the State to hold to account those who, by intention or by irresponsible behaviour, have sex with a child.
‘Victim-blaming as a defence for having abused a child would no longer be allowed under absolute liability. This is essential if we are serious about adults taking responsibility for their behaviour and for children being protected in Ireland. Today we urged the Committee to come to agreement and strongly recommend to the government that a children’s referendum be held.’
Clíona Saidléar, RCNI Policy and Communications Director said, ‘it is vital we have laws that clearly and correctly name child rape. Child victim’s today often face a society that denies and makes little of what has happened to them. The terrible consequence of being ignored and unsupported for many child victims is that they will be left vulnerable and will go on to be raped again.
• 10% of Irish Rape Crisis clients in 2007 have been raped in both childhood and adulthood.
• The SAVI Report (2002) found that a child victim of rape was 17 times more likely, than the non abused child, to be raped again in adulthood.
This is unacceptable and it is preventable if society and the law takes a stand and supports the child victim now. It does this by ensuring a child is believed, the State can react appropriately and a perpetrator is held responsible for their actions. Absolute liability in statutory rape cases is one important way that this is achieved.’
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.
• The full transcript of the RCNI oral hearing to the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children is available online at Oireachtas.ie or for the presentation only please visit www.rcni.ie
For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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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
