RCNI Press Release 18 November 2005

Conviction for marital rape strongly welcomed, as we risk losing sight of where the majority of sexual violence occurs

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) in welcoming the only standing conviction for marital rape in Ireland make the point that most sexual violence in Ireland is not perpetrated by members of the clergy, or within religious institutions, it is committed in the family home, by male members of the family and male relatives, within the institution of the family.

The RCNI National statistics demonstrated that up to 22% (over one fifth) of sexual violence on adult women is perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner. Fiona Neary, Executive Director of the RCNI said, ‘Ireland, regrettably, continues to be a country where initial consent to sexual relations is understood to imply continued consent. To understand rape it must be understood that consent for sex is something that is continually renegotiated and can never be taken as a given. Continued ambiguity about this point means very few women who have been raped within marriages feel they will be believed or feel they have any hope of justice in Irish Courts.

This climate of ambivalence is further complicated by the fact that the relationship within which the rape happened is likely to include children and others who will be impacted by the raped women’s attempts to escape further rape and domestic violence and/or to seek justice. It may be much easier for Irish people to focus on institutions such as the Church then examine the institution of the family.’

Kate Mulkerrins, Legal Policy coordinator of the RCNI, added, ‘in our experience we find that Ireland just isn’t ready to hear about marital rape. This is to our great shame and must be faced up to now as a matter of urgency. Public attitudes are crucial in preventing, overcoming and punishing this crime. Without a climate of understanding the law in Ireland it seems is powerless’.

The recognition of marital rape as a crime entered Irish law in 1990, ahead of the UK, but a dismal 25 years behind Sweden. This legal definition however has done little to lift the lid on this crime. The first and only jury conviction in Ireland was in 2001 but was appealed in 2004.

The RCNI would urge all survivors of marital rape to contact their local Rape Crisis Centre (RCC) or the 24 hour helpline, 1800 778888 (DRCC), who can offer them support, guidance and expertise in complete confidentiality.

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.
• Out of 10,317 instances of abuse reported to Women’s Aid in 2003, 1,352 were reported to involve sexual abuse out of which 511 were rapes.
• Of sexual abuse on children, over 50% is perpetrated by a male relative of the child.
• RCNI National Statistics were launched in May of 2005, and are available on our web-site: www.rcni.ie

For information contact:
Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447

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