RCNI Press Release 11 November 2005

Following abuse inquiry RCNI demand independent inspector of adult residential facilities

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today, in light of failures in the past and known vulnerability of adults with intellectual disabilities, make the strongest possible call on the government to put in place an independent inspectorate for residential care settings for adults with intellectual disability without any further delay.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director, said ‘adults with intellectual disability living in care are amongst the most vulnerable group of people in our society. Weaknesses and barriers in our society means their voices are hard to hear publicly, making them particularly vulnerable to abuse. It is therefore shameful that they remain one of the key groups whose care is not overseen by any independent body or authority.

We know from international research that people with intellectual disability in care are 8 times more likely to be abused. Currently we have a protracted inquiry about abuse allegations in one residential setting, Kilcornan. This inquiry is now 7 years running and is set to run for at least one more year before any public report shall be made. This inquiry itself, rightly, is now under review.

Notes and Statistics:
• 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.
• International research tells us that “people with cognitive impairment experience sexual assault at significantly higher rates than other members of the community” both as children (39-68% of girls with intellectual disabilities are victims of sexual assault before their 18th Birthdays-Boyle et al 1988) and as adults.

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear: 087 2196447
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