RCNI Press Release 22 January 2009

RCNI welcome Roscommon incest case sentence

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) today said there were questions to be asked in the case of the Roscommon woman who neglected and abused her six children.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director said, ‘the RCNI welcomes what appears to have been an appropriate investigation into incest by the Gardaí once the sexual abuse was disclosed. We welcome the custodial sentence handed down to this woman, which to some degree recognises the seriousness of the sexual crimes.

‘We highlight a continued concern that that our incest laws are in need of reform. We further ask whether the custodial sentence is attached to any incentives to participation in perpetrator programmes and demonstrable change in abusive behaviour.

‘Like many, we wonder at the efficacy of the monitoring of this family by the HSE.’

Notes:

The RCNI is the national Rape Crisis Sector body, which provides a voice for survivors and is a catalyst for social change towards a society free from abuse.

For information contact:

Clíona Saidléar: 087 2196447

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