RCNI Press Release 18 April 2005

RCNI WELCOMES SUPPORT IRELAND’S LANDMARK RAPE ATTRITION RESEARCH PROJECT IS PROMISED

The Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) at the launch of the independent academic research into Ireland’s attrition rate in rape cases at the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway, 11am on Monday the 18th of April, were delighted with the support given to this ground breaking project by the relevant bodies in the justice system.

Kate Mulkerrins, RCNI Legal Coordinator said, ‘at each level of the justice system victims of sexual violence are failed. In the end the best estimates are that only 5 out of every 100 cases of sexual violence in Ireland will make it to court. This attrition research is unique and involves a number of key organisations and institutions who have offered their cooperation to the researchers in the interest of a more balanced justice system. This project is being jointly funded by the Dept. of Justice Equality and Law Reform and Atlantic Philanthropies’

Fiona Neary, RCNI Executive Director said, ‘we know that for many victims of sexual violence the legal system has not worked. This research is about finding out why. With that knowledge we hope that all of us represented here today can bring about the necessary improvements in the criminal justice system. We are delighted with the level of support across the board here today, from the Gardai Siochana, the Department of Justice, the DPP’s office, Courts Services to Rape Crisis Centres across Ireland.’

Speakers at the launch included Minister for State, Frank Fahey, Dean of Law Gerard Quinn, RCNI’s Legal Coordinator Kate Mulkerrins BL and the Director of Research Conor Hanly. The launch also included a public statement by the DPP (although not personally present) amongst others, with regard this research.

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. www.rcni.ie
• The RCNI has commissioned the Department of Law, NUIG to conduct this independent research
• The research is under the directorship of Conor Hanly and has a dedicated researcher, Deirdre Healy
• In Ireland just under half of victims of sexual violence tell no one, of those who do tell someone, less than 1 in 10 will report to Gardai, the Gardai have a high rate of detection but only four out of every ten cases put in front of the DPP will end up in court. Therefore in Ireland only 5 out of every 100 cases of sexual violence will ever reach a court room (Liz Kelly and Linda Regan, 2003 & SAVI Report, 2002).
• The research will involve clients of Rape Crisis Centres, with their consent, working closely with the researcher, Deirdre Healy.

For further information please contact Cliona Saidlear on 087 2196447

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