RCNI Press Release 24 April 2008

Child Protection laws fail to protect vulnerable 13 year old child

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) call for a referendum to reintroduce absolute liability in statutory rape as Mr K. walks free after admitting to having sex with a 13 year old girl.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director, said 'the consequences of this ruling are that adults can have sex with children as young as 13 and face no consequence. This is the worst possible outcome for child protection in Ireland. It sends the worst possible message to sex offenders. This case means that adults need take no responsibility regarding the age of someone they have sex with - anyone who "looks 17 or 18" is now sexually available. This is at a time when children are being sexualised younger and younger.

'The law must be changed.

'It is also very disturbing to hear this case widely referred to as involving consensual sex. This is not a case of ‘consensual’ sex between two people. We are talking about a vulnerable 13 year old child without the capacity to consent to sex who was taken advantage of by an adult.

Notes:
• The RCNI is the national Rape Crisis Sector body, 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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