RCNI Press Release 3 December 2008

 

Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) while welcoming the adequate 10 year sentence handed down by Judge Paul Carney today in the central criminal court in the case of a Cork man who abused both his daughters over a number of years, expressed concern at aspects of the victim impact statement being used in mitigation.

Fiona Neary, RCNI Director, said ‘victims should not be made to feel that the punishment of the abuser is their responsibility. It is the role and responsibility of the court to administer a just sentence. Care must be taken by the court in terms of pleas for leniency by victims.

‘When abuse is in the family it can be a deeply confusing and complex situation for the victims. In this case these victims were abused, raped and manipulated by their father for much of their childhood. Where victims’ sympathies and loyalties have been and may continue to be manipulated by an abuser who is a family member and authority figure, peals for leniency must be considered in this light.

‘This sentence also fails to put in place incentives for this abuser to engage in sex offender treatment while serving his time in jail.’


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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