Press Release01/10/03
STRICT EMBARGO, FRIDAY 3RD OCTOBER
Rape Crisis Network Ireland Concerned at
New Rape Findings Attrition.
Research launched today found that Ireland has the highest attrition rate for reported cases of rape in 21 European countries. Of all cases initially reported in Ireland from 1993 to 2000 only 1-2 per cent resulted in a conviction, the next worst figures - for England and Wales, Scotland and Sweden - were between 8-10 per cent.
At the ‘Sexual Violence: Issues and Responses Across Europe’ conference today Prof. Liz Kelly, CBE, Director of the Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit, London Metropolitan University also reported that attritionrates have risen virtually everywhere, with the single exception of Germany, reaching a contemporary all time low in much of the EU. ‘These findings should act as a wake up call for anyone concerned with justice, equality and human rights, since at the most fundamental level - protection and redress from sexual violation - most states in Europe are currently failing their female citizens’.
Fiona Neary, National Coordinator from the Rape Crisis Network Ireland stated “We know that Ireland has a relatively good rate of conviction, once cases go to court. However, many many cases do not make it as far as the stage of prosecution. The DPP decides not to proceed with a lot of cases. However, the solution is not simply that the DPP proceed with more cases, as we can see from today’s findings across the EU that an increase in prosecutions does not result in an increase in convictions. We can also see that many cases do not even make it as far as the DPPs office. The reasons for cases ‘falling out’ of the system are complex.
These research findings strongly confirm the value of the research that the RCNI will commence under-taking this Autumn in conjunction with the Law Faculty of NUIG. Our 3 year research into rates of attrition in Ireland will examine the changes required in our legal system and our society to achieve greater justice for victim of sexual violence.”
Also at today’s conference, Rape Crisis Network Europe delegates from twenty-three European countries discussed the issues of forensic medical examinations for rape victims, as well as prostitution, pornography, and trafficking as forms of sexual violence against women.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Alessandra Fantini, Daphne Project Coordinator, Rape Crisis Network Ireland
Mobile: 086 829 8980