RCNI Press Release 16 January 2007

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today welcomed reports that the government were preparing to hold the referenda on statutory rape and childrens’ rights in March of this year.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we are delighted the government seems to be planning these referenda for March. We fully support both referenda. The need to hold the referendum to reintroduce statutory rape is urgent. Without a statutory rape referendum the law is unable to deal effectively with those who prey sexually on young people. Without these new laws our court rooms will remain hostile battlegrounds for our child victims. Without these new laws the State will struggle to hold to account the sexual predators of our children.

The statutory rape referendum is about ensuring we can convict sexual predators while ensuring the children in those cases are protected as far as possible from further harm in our courtrooms.’


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
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