RCNI Press Release 21 July 2005

Court of Appeal ruling will make courts a safer place for rape victims

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today welcomed the Court of Appeal’s finding that two national newspapers were guilty of contempt of court. These newspapers published details above and beyond what had been revealed in court prior to sentencing in an incest case. It is essential in the interests of justice that the judiciary continues to maintain and uphold the integrity of their court rooms so that they can become safer places for victims of sexual violence.

Kate Mulkerrins, RCNI Legal Coordinator said, ‘court rooms are notoriously unsafe places for victims of sexual violence. Victims often report feeling revictimsied by the necessary processes of justice. However, these necessary processes of justice often go hand in hand with unnecessary processes and neglects. One of the most traumatic events for a rape victim is to have her evidence printed in salacious detail which barely conceals her identity in her local community. By publishing intimate and overly detailed accounts of a victim’s humiliation, degradation and injury, newspapers are guilty of immeasurable further trauma to the victims of sexual violence who have had the courage and opportunity to follow through the justice system to its conclusion.

‘We commend Mr Justice Paul Carney for calling the newspapers to account on this occasion. While the reporting of crimes of this nature is crucial to the public interest, the salacious details are unnecessary for any right thinking person.’


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 please contact: Cliona Saidlear 087 2196447

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