RCNI Press Release 14 July 2004

Judge in the dock over attitudes to rape

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) call for compulsory training of Judges given Justice Paul Carney’s latest comment while sentencing Owen Bermingham on the 12th of July.

Kate Mulkerrins, Legal Policy Co-ordinator for the RCNI said, ‘we regret that the efforts towards creating a sound judicial system in Ireland are being continually undermined by the attitudes and culture of those who wield the law on our behalf. Justice Carney’s latest comment, where he remarked upon the ‘good family background’ and consumption of drugs and alcohol of the perpetrator, reveal his misconceptions about rape and sexual violence.

‘Improvements in our justice system, such as the DPP’s strong line on appropriate sentences for offences of rape, aiming for consistency and proportionality in the sentencing of perpetrators of rape, are very welcome. However, we continue to find Judges and others in the legal profession undermining these good legal frameworks through their comments and actions. These comments reveal the worrying beliefs, stereotypes and attitudes they hold, for which the best intentions in the world cannot compensate.

‘Irish society must have every confidence in the ability and sensitivity of those whom we entrust to uphold our rights. We submit that this might best be achieved by compulsory training for the judiciary.’

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.
• Kate Mulkerrins is a barrister and part time lecturer in NUIG and is currently the RCNI’s Legal and Policy Coordinator as well as a volunteer in a Rape Crisis Centre.

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear, RCNI Policy and Communications Co-ordinator
087 2196447

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