A new research programme in Galway will try to ascertain why only five out of 100 cases of sexual violence in Ireland ever make it to court.
Rape Crisis Network Ireland (RCNI) has commissioned the department of law at NUI Galway to carry out the three-year Rape Attrition Research Project which was launched yesterday by Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Frank Fahey.
Addressing the launch, executive director of RCNI, Fiona Neary said: "We know that for many victims of sexual violence, the legal system has not worked. This research is about finding why."
She said 42 per cent of Irish women and 28 per cent of men would experience some form of sexual violence in their lives. "Sexual violence is extensive, pervasive and ongoing. It is much more prevalent than people realise," she said.
RCNI legal co-ordinator Kate Mulkerrins said less rape cases make it through the criminal justice system in Ireland than in any other EU country. "The one in 10 victims who do report their cases to the gardaí face significant hurdles all along the way. More than two-thirds of all reported cases are not prosecuted in Ireland and the complainant is not given a reason why."
Mr Fahey said that while the number of cases of sexual violence reported to the Garda had reduced, there was every evidence to suggest the problem was getting worse.
